Blackwater sacks Al-Hussaini, places Pinto on trade block

Where is Parks heading for?

MANILA, Philippines — Blackwater was supposed to be the biggest winner in the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft but the Ever Bilena franchise is suddenly holding an empty bag as far as No. 2 draft selection Bobby Ray Parks is concerned.

Parks is still unsigned. In fact, the Blackwater team management has yet to see Parks barely a week before the start of PBA Season 44 at the Philippine Arena Sunday.

“I’m running out of patience as we’re running out of time,” Blackwater team owner Dioceldo Sy told The STAR.

Worse, Blackwater has also got problems with center Rabeh Al-Hussaini and guard John Pinto.

As he went AWOL (absence without leave), Al-Hussaini has been suspended by the ball club while Pinto is now up for trade as he declined a two-year contract extension offer by the Elite mana           gement.

Pinto, who showed marked improvement in his game last season, is likely heading for Phoenix Petroleum in exchange for Gelo Alolino and Joseph Eriobu.

“Biglang bungi-bungi ang team ko (Suddenly, our team has a lot of holes,” rued Sy.

His biggest concern is Parks, whom he’s actually planning to be the cornerstone of his new team that will also include two other key draft acquisitions in Paul Desiderio and Abu Tratter.

“He’s the biggest missing link,” said Sy of Parks who is still hooked up with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas in the Asean Basketball League.

“San Miguel is willing to release Bobby Ray Parks. But we’re still dealing with his agent now,” Sy pointed out.

The Blackwater management is hoping a key meeting tomorrow between top official Silliman Sy and Parks’ agent, Charlie Dy, bears fruit.

What if a deal is not reached? “Ewan ko, naiirita ako,” said the Blackwater ball club owner.

There were  earlier reports of a complex trade deal that would send Parks to the Meralco Bolts.

With  the suspension of Al-Hussaini, coach Bong Ramos’ options at center spot are James Sena and Chris Javier.

“Rabeh was complaining of playing time. He should have been our starting center now on the exit of Poy Erram. But then he went AWOL,” said Sy.

At Barangay Ginebra, former UP Maroon Jett Manuel opted to hang his playing jersey just after one season with the Gin Kings, opting to pursue another endeavor.

Manuel’s exit has opened a possible spot for rookie free agent Tey Teodoro.