Menk still a King after coming to terms on extension

Eric Menk has signed a one-year deal with the Kings as a reserve and hopes to regain his place in Siot Tanquingcen's rotation when the new season rolls along. Jerome Ascano

ERIC Menk is not going anywhere and will remain a part of the San Miguel group of companies.

The former PBA MVP finally came to terms with mother team Ginebra San Miguel on a one-year deal that will have him being listed as a reserve player in the Kings’ roster for the coming Philippine Cup.

'Major Pain' will be given a chance to earn a regular spot in the Kings' roster until the All-Filipino Conference. If he fails to do so, the 38-year-old Fil-Am will be shipped to the San Miguel Beermen's team in the Asean Basketball League.

Menk’s agent Sheryl Reyes said no contract has been signed yet as Menk won’t be returning from the US until next week.

But both parties have already come to terms on the deal which Reyes describes as a "good package."

“He’s definitely happy because he’ll still be able to play, which is what he really likes in the first place,” said Reyes, the only lady basketball agent in the country today.

As part of Ginebra’s reserve unit, chances of Menk suiting up for the Kings again are high since he can be easily elevated to the active list in case he regains his top form or a player or two gets injured during the course of the tournament.

Initially, Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen proposed that Menk be made a part of the team’s coaching staff, only for the plan to be modified shortly after Reyes sat down and talked with San Miguel sports director Noli Eala.

“Eric believes he can still play. He’s ready and really looking forward to playing again,” said Reyes of Menk, who won four championships with the league’s most popular ballclub, including two in a row in the 2004-05 season when he reigned as league MVP.

A recurring calf injury however, limited Menk’s playing time last year, where he only suited up for three games in the season-ending Governors Cup.

In his 13 season as a pro starting out with Tanduay in 1999, Menk has career averages of 14.1 points per game and 9.2 rebounds. He is a one-time member of the Mythical first and second teams as well as the All-Defensive team.