By Argie Paul Candare
NorthPort welcomed back Vic Manuel but parted ways with Sean Anthony who the Batang Pier traded to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters.
Manuel was initially picked ninth overall by the Batang Pier in 2012. He played for the franchise for one conference before being shipped to Meralco and three other teams.
Last conference, the freshly-acquired Phoenix forward off Alaska, averaged 12.81 points, 5.27 rebounds and 1.45 assists in 11 games.
Manuel started the PBA Philippine Cup strong before being bothered by injury.
On the other hand, Anthony posted 9.86 points, 6.57 rebounds and 1.86 assists for NorthPort, as he also had his fair share of problems, including a bone spur injury attained in Game 1 of the Quarterfinals.
Michael Calisaan will also suit up for the Batang Pier this Governor’s Cup, swapped for sophomore-wing Sean Manganti and a 2021 second-round pick.
The PBA approved the exchanges on Friday.
Phoenix and NorthPort will try to improve in the import-laden Governors’ Cup after early elimination in the Philippine Cup.
The Fuel Masters got knocked-out in a decider game for the eighth spot by Ginebra, while Batang Pier fell to the San Miguel Beermen in two quarterfinal games.