SMB ships Nabong to NorthPort for Russel Escoto

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The San Miguel Beermen management has finally decided to let go of their hot-headed big man Kelly Nabong.

His involvement in the SMB practice turmoil together with Ronald Tubid and Arwind Santos was a key factor that led to SMB’s failure in achieving a grand-slam, ending the season in disappointment as they were suspended during playoff time.

After the incident, the SMB management proposed a trade sending Nabong back to NorthPort Batang Pier in exchange for Russel Escoto.

The office of the commissioner then approved the request Thursday, days after SMB filed the trade.

PBA critics and analysts have expressed their opinion towards Nabong’s stint with San Miguel, stating that SMB was the best team that handled his flaring temper.

Nabong found himself a new home in 2018 when he was picked up by the powerhouse team after NorthPort placed him on the trading block.

It was also SMB who re-defined Nabong’s current game, molding him from just a plain post-player to a stretch power forward who can knock down open treys and perimeter shots.