December 17 News and Rumors Recap: Art Dela Cruz, Rob Reyes and etc.

(c) PBA Media Bureau

Here are the most interesting recent news.

NEWS
Done: Rob Reyes Retires                                                                              
Rob calls it a career. Rob made these statements regarding his retirement. “I gave everything I had to live my dream, and now I’ll give everything I have to my family, that they might live theirs... After much consideration, thought, and prayer, I've decided to retire."

He will finish his career with 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds average per game. Injuries were a big culprit to his career but what he said was really true. He had live his dream.



A fan: Jake Pascual talks about the energy of his teammates                 
In just one game, Jake fell-in-love with the hustle and energy of his teammates. "Kanina ang ganda ng laro, nakaupo ako sa bench parang gusto kong pumasok na para matulungan din sila. Saya ng laro pag ganun yung game tapos makikita mo mga teammates mo nagpapakamatay sa bola... Kumbaga nakakahawa yun e, mahiya ka na lang sa sarili mo pag di mo binigay 100 percent mo."

The high energy was not only from Calvin Abueva but also from Chris Banchero, Vic Manuel, Chris Exciminiano and Kevin Racal. Jake could be that energy guy, too. And an energetic Jake could be the best Jake, ever.

Confidence: TNT players are committed to coach Nash Racela             
After an easy victory against Phoenix, RDO expressed the commitment of the team to their rookie coach. “He’s been our coach for a long time, he’s an assistant, and we know him, he knows us. We are committed to him and at the same time he is committed to us.”

Coach Nash is well-verse with the modern ways and those ways are very effective. They just need to be patient.

RUMOR
Lesson Learned: Art Dela Cruz will not be traded                                  
Factuality Meter: 90%

The team owner of Blackwater made bold statement about the future of Art Dela Cruz. In an article of Spin.ph, Mr. Dioceldo Sy said, " “We learn from our mistakes coz (that time) we were desperate, but in the end I think I’m happier with Art dela Cruz than (us getting Moala) Tautuaa... “No deal, we will never trade Art away. He’s our future and as early as now we can see his potential. We’re just waiting for him to personally find his niche in the PBA... Even if there is an offer, we won’t entertain them, kahit sino kahit anong grupo.”

Those are very strong statements for a team owner to make. In business, statements from the owner is very critical. That is the main reason why I am buying this one.