LOYALTY SWAP | JAVILLONAR AND ERIOBU FOR HIGH SECOND-ROUND PICKS

Two trades shook up the PBA this week. They may not involve big names, but they’re noteworthy because of what they signal for the teams involved.

First, the Converge FiberXers sent forward Pao Javillonar to Titan Ultra in exchange for the Giant Risers’ 2027 second-round pick. I get the Letran connection and why Titan Ultra wanted him, but I really have to question the pick they gave up. Titan Ultra is expected to draft high, and Converge has already lost several of its future picks. This means Converge could end up with a Top-15 prospect, while Titan basically receives a bench piece.

Converge has too many players that Titan Ultra should have asked for King Caralipio as well.

That said, you might see Javillonar's game evolve with the Giant Risers. The dude needs to improve his scoring game, but I see him as a new-age version of Jay Mendoza. Both guys are former Letran players, and they are also annoying as hell in terms of defense.

It’s clear Converge made the move to create roster space. They recently acquired Mark Denver Omega from Rain or Shine—another move involving a draft pick—and they also have Benilde standout Tony Ynot coming in.

That said, yes, Javillonar is a helpful addition to Titan Ultra’s thin frontline, but he’s not a natural center. Titan Ultra is filled with up-and-coming power forwards who will struggle against elite bigs like June Mar Fajardo, Japeth Aguilar, Ian Sangalang, Justin Arana, Justine Baltazar, Cliff Hodge, and JB Bahio. They’re also awaiting the arrival of former Benilde Blazer Marc Sangco, former DLSU standout CJ Austria, and current San Beda Red Lion Bryan Sajonia, which complicates the rotation further.

And oh, by the way, Sajonia available in the fourth round is a steal for Titan Ultra.

The second trade saw Joseph Eriobu moving to Terrafirma in exchange for a 2028 second-round pick. I’m still unsure if this is good for him. The situation mirrors Converge’s—Magnolia is clearing space for San Beda’s Yukien Andrada. Yes, Eriobu will likely get more minutes with the Dyip, but the wins will be hard to come by. And considering he just came off a tough SEA Games performance where Gilas 3x3 missed the podium, I don’t know if he wants to spend the next stretch sitting on the bench while his team sinks in the standings.

Terrafirma, for its part, managed to move a pick beyond 2027, but the franchise is in a precarious spot. Let’s be real: Terrafirma, not NorthPort, should be the team at risk of losing its place in the league. If ownership changes anytime soon, that 2028 second-rounder could end up very valuable—likely higher than the 15th slot. And even then, Eriobu still isn’t guaranteed minutes. Terrafirma is waiting for the arrival of Geo Chiu, currently playing in the MPBL Finals, and Benilde’s Shawn Umali.

But in a way, these trades might actually be good for both Javillonar and Eriobu. At least they’ll get opportunities. Eriobu should see more floor time with Terrafirma, and Javillonar gets a fresh start with teammates he’s familiar with and a clearer path to minutes.