Barroca may go to B-Meg Derby Ace for Ilad

SPITFIRE MARK Barroca, selected fifth overall by Shopinas.com in the PBA Rookie Draft, is headed to B-Meg Derby Ace as part of the Llamados’ previous deal with the Clickers.

B-Meg governor Rene Pardo confirmed Barroca’s impending transfer to the Llamados during the draft Sunday night, citing an agreement between the two ballclubs some few years back.

B-Meg originally owned the No. 5 pick but Barako Bull—the franchise eventually taken over by Shopinas.com—obtained the rights in a deal involving power forward Rich Alvarez.

The Llamados later presented proof that another deal was consummated for them to reclaim the fifth pick in return for future freshman selections.

Once the Barroca exchange pushes through, Shopinas.com will secure forward Bryan Ilad, the 16th pick, from B-Meg and another Llamado player from among Rommel Adducul, Don Allado, Jonathan Fernandez and Val Acuna.

Shopinas.com coach Franz Pumaren said they would have to wait for the blessing of team management when the PBA board of governors return tomorrow from a board meeting in Hong Kong.

“It’s still under negotiation. We’ll know when upper management returns on Wednesday,” said Pumaren.

Meanwhile, second overall pick Paul Lee of Rain Or Shine sees himself a good fit in Yeng Guiao’s system.

“I’m comfortable with the team’s physical brand of play. Many players exceled with coach Yeng. I hope to become one of them,’” said the 6-foot Lee, whom Guiao described as the Willie Miller version of Rain Or Shine. /Inquirer