Chris Banchero wants to get traded?
According to a trusted insider source, a former player of Boracay Rum wants to get traded.
If this is Alaska or not, they must see this as an opportunity to rebuild. But first, let us look at the current lineup of Alaska.
Guard
JVee Casio - The trade of L.A. Tenorio for JVee did not work well for Alaska. Over those years, Tenorio continued to blossom and JVee has been inconsistent. JVee will turn 33 years old on Sept 1, and if Alaska will not consider trading JVee, they must get a steady backup point guard - RR Garcia is still available and he is more athletic, much consistent shooter, younger and a better playmaker. (Trade or limit his minutes for a better guard)
Chris Eximiniano - Keeping Eximiniano in the lineup is still beneficial, he continues to contribute well on the defensive end, he also has good slashing skills but he must workout on his 3 point shooting. Remember Chris Ross in his career? he is a terrible 3-point shooter but with hard work, it can develop.
Abel Galliguez - Abel has always been persevering in his career. He has proven that he is a good backup. Keeping Galliguez as a reserve is still a good idea.
Simon Enciso - Simon is only 28 years old, he is fast, a good defender and will occasionally drain 3 pointers in a row if he gets hot. He still has room for growth but Alaska needs to find a legitimate 3-point shooter threat as a backup or even as a starter if Enciso is not performing well, he can be substituted by a steady shooter. Remember Alaska in the '90s where they have Jojo Lastimosa? (Having a "pure" 3 point shooter in the team increases the chances of winning)
Jesper Ayaay - Looks like a young version of Chris Eximinano and like the problem of Chris, Jesper is not a legitimate shooter, Jesper should work out his shooting consistency.
Forwards / Centers
Kevin Racal - Racal has already been given all the playing time opportunity, Alaska considers him as a defensive specialist but the real problem of Racal is his offense. If Racal is open and takes the shot, on average he can only make 2 to 3 out of the 10 jumpers. Alaska should upgrade the small forward position.
Vic Manuel - For Alaska to rebuild and get the best rosters they need, they can take the risk of trading Manuel, Vic is already 32 years old and has been on and off due to an injury.
Jeron Teng - Jeron has a huge upside. Jeron is a double-double threat out there. Better to keep Jeron.
Carl Bryan Cruz - Cruz is the best shooter of Alaska but has not given so much playing time maybe because they find his playing style not the most "ideal" in the plays they run. If Alaska will not use CBC that much, it's better to trade him for a good small forward or power forward player or even a quality rookie draft. Does Abu Tratter sound good to you?
Jake Pascual, Noy Baclao and Sonny Thoss - These aging big guys already reached their full potential and will most likely start to decline in their performance in the near future. Time to upgrade.
Why is Chris Banchero asking for a possible trade?
Alaska imposes a "family first tradition" in the team. For them, it is not just about winning.
It looks like Chris Banchero is getting sick in this belief and could be thinking, "are we in PBA to make a family or are we here to win?!"
Chris Banchero is the best player in Alaska right now and he's becoming better and better each season but even with all those efforts, Alaska has always fallen short in the end.
Clearly, just by having this kind lineup of Alaska they are actually overachieving - credit to the good coaching staff for finishing 2nd in the previous seasons.
No offense to everyone - but after Alaska gave away Abueva, the lineup is a complete "mediocre".
Alaska should see this as a wake-up call and an opportunity to rebuild their dynasty in the PBA.
