THE need for a veteran back-up point guard prompted Blackwater to reacquire Brian Heruela, even if it meant giving up young gunner Mike Digregorio.
Coach Aris Dimaunahan explained the rationale behind the stunning trade on Wednesday when Huruela played his first game back with the Elite opposite Rain or Shine in the PBA Governors Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
"We felt we needed another point guard who will stabilize the team. And in fairness to Brian Heruela, he has the championship experience already," said Dimaunahan.
The Elite sent Digregorio to TNT KaTropa in exchange for Heruela in a trade consummated on Saturday.
Wearing the Blackwater jersey is sort of a homecoming for the 30-year-old Heruela as the University of Cebu product was a third round pick of the franchise during the 2014 draft.
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"He started his career in the PBA with Blackwater, so parang homecoming niya ito," said Dimaunahan.
After spending his rookie season with the franchise, Heruela found himself on the go and landed at San Miguel Beer, where he won a total of four championships in three years.
Just before the season began, Heruela was shifted to TNT KaTropa as part of the Terrence Romeo trade. He suited up for just two conferences with the KaTropa before being traded again, although he did play vital minutes when the team advanced in the Commissioner's Cup finals opposite San Miguel Beer.
Having played for two different teams, the Blackwater homecoming was a little bit of a struggle for Heruela.
"Dalawang teams yung pinag-laruan niya na iba yung sistema. Tapos nasa amin siya ngayon right now, so give the guy the time to adjust," said Dimaunahan.
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Heruela's stats line in his Blackwater return read 0-of-3 shooting, a rebound, and three assists in a 99-82 losing cause for the Elite.
But Dimaunahan believes Heruela will eventually deliver once he settles down with the team.
"We believe Brian has the championship experience to help this young squad," said the Blackwater coach. (RG)
