Letting Go Of The Kid

In what will go down as the "most shocking news" since the retirement of Rudy Hatfield, Barangay Ginebra is parting ways with Kerby Raymundo, one of the major pieces in its Finals run last conference. The news was all over social media networks like Facebook and Twitter and was met by mixed reactions. After all, every Ginebra fan remember the big contribution the former Letran Knight had last conference.

As it is, Kerby would be Air 21 bound for shooting big man James Sena and the Express' 2014 first round pick. The former JRU Bomber comes as a bonus but it is the latter that got Ginebra "agreeing in principle" to the proposed trade. The 2014 draft would have talents like Bobby Ray Parks, Cris Banchero, Stanley Pringle, Kevin Alas, or even Kiefer Ravena.

What saddened Ginebra faithfuls is the fact that Kerby's real potential has returned. I mean everyone knows how he made life miserable for the big men of Rain or Shine in their quarterfinal showdown as well as in their semifinals encounter with Talk n Text.

I guess the trigger that made management agree to trading Kerby is the arrival of Japeth Aguilar. Both play the same position but the advantage of Japeth is he is 6'9" yet very athletic. Aside from that, Kerby is injured while Japeth is coming off a very successful stint with the national team. In addition, Ginebra is also planning to reactivate Eric Menk from the inactive list which makes trading Kerby justifiable.

But apparently the Kerby trade does not end there. After being released to Air 21, the Express will release The Kid to the Bolts along with Mike Cortez for Mark Cardona and the rights to Asi Taulava. Everyone knows that Ginebra management salivates at the thought of having The Rock in their lineup. The opportunity knocked via Kerby Raymundo.

Although it is still up for the approval of Commissioner Chito Salud, it is more likely that Kerby will no longer be wearing the Ginebra uniform when he returns from injury. Like every Ginebra fan, I am deeply saddened with his departure but that's basketball. So thank you Kerby and good luck.