Narvasa reveals "no trade" rule behind Mahindra keeping Rosario

PBA CEO Chito Salud formally welcomes Chito Narvasa as his replacement as
the league's commissioner. Dennis Acosta

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Troy Rosario stays with Mahindra... for now.

In his first order of duty, new PBA commissioner Chito Narvasa told the press right after the PBA Draft on Sunday at Robinson's Place Manila that he implemented a "no trade" rule for the draft day, effectively keeping the results of the draft, including the Enforcers' decision to select Rosario, as is.

[Related Story: Mahindra keeps second pick, chooses Rosario]

However, his explanation behind the one-night-only policy was not roster balance-related.

"I'm not familiar with the players in the draft. I'm also not familiar with the lineups," Narvasa reasoned.

Due to the unfamiliarity with the 12 active ballclubs right now, the new commissioner, who once coached Purefoods in the league, imposed the temporary closure of the transfer window as a standard operating procedure.

"I want to create a standard process of how it's going to be done. Once it goes to that process, there will not be any problems. Kasi gusto ko transparent [ang draft]," he continued.

However, do expect the rumored three-team trade between Mahindra, Talk 'n Text, and NLEX involving Rosario's trade rights to possibly push through as Narvasa will reopen the transfer window on Monday.

In the reports, Rosario could end up with Tautuaa at the Tropang Texters camp, while Aldrech Ramos, Eric Camson, and the draft rights to Glenn Khobuntin could be Enforcers-bound and Kevin Alas could jump to the Road Warriors side.

"I'm sure by tomorrow, marami na [ang tatawag sa akin]," Narvasa jokingly said.