Certain provision in Gilas Cadets' "no-trade clause" paves way for AVO-Pessumal swap

He may not be a part of Gilas anymore, but AVO is still part of the cadets' "no-trade clause". (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--When the Arnold Van Opstal-Von Pessumal trade was approved on Monday, the main topic in the online and offline discussions that ensued was the Gilas Cadets' "no-trade clause", in which the said cadets like Pessumal and Van Opstal are "untouchable" in the transfer window for two full seasons.

However, a certain provision in the said clause that many do not know paved the way for the swap to take place.

According to PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial, the said clause only bars a team from trading its Gilas Cadet for a non-cadet and that a one-on-one swap between Gilas Cadets is allowed.

The rule applies even if a certain cadet will be eventually pulled out of the national team pool as in the case of Van Opstal, who was dropped from the pool by Coach Chot Reyes.

However, Marcial also bared that there is only one "untouchable" guy from the Gilas Cadets: Mac Belo.

Marcial said that teams are not allowed to swing a one-on-one cadets trade with Blackwater for Belo, essentially meaning that Belo stays with Blackwater for two full seasons.

Dugout Philippines tried to reach out to SBP President Al Panlilio for further clarification on the Cadets' clause, but he has yet to reply as of press time.

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