SOL Mercado hopes to revive his PBA career that appears in limbo after being left in the cold last season.
The 36-year-old combo guard joined the long list of unrestricted free agents seeking a new lease on life after failing to strike a deal with Phoenix.
The Fuel Masters acquired the rights to Mercado from NorthPort in exchange for LA Revilla and Rey Guevarra at the end of the 2019 Governors' Cup.
Mercado had entertained hopes of playing in the PBA Philippine Cup bubble but felt teams interested in him learned about his status rather late.
"I think teams found out too late [that I was a free agent]," Mercado said. "By that time, they had a full roster na."
Sponsored content:
The 11-year veteran had a great career going while playing with Ginebra, where he won three championships. But his world turned upside down when the Kings sent him to NorthPort along with Jervy Cruz and Kevin Ferrer for Stanley Pringle in a blockbuster trade.
Mercado, who was picked fifth overall by Alaska in the 2008 Draft, had a career average of 11.1 points per game.
Mercado was also a former member of the national team which competed in the 2010 Asian Games and the 2012 William Jones Cup that won the gold medal over the United States. (RJ)
