B-Meg Derby Ace’s backup import Shamari Spears easily passed the 6-foot-4 height limit when he was measured at the Philippine Basketball Association Office Tuesday.
The import who could be playing overseas basketball for the first time in his career was measured at 6-foot-3 and 11/16.
Dropped from the Charlotte 49ers late last year after having differences with his first-year coach Alan Major, Spears averaged 17 points and 3.2 rebounds when the team played in the Atlantic 10 of the US NCAA.
But the Llamados have decided to stick it out with Robert Brown when the team opens its PBA Commissioner’s Cup bid against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
“Kulang pa sa hangin eh, so we’re sticking to Brown," said B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent, who also informed the Commissioner’s Office on their decision to play their original reinforcement against an Elasto Painters’ squad beefed up by an NBA veteran import, new local acquisitions, and a new coach calling the shots.
The Elasto Painters will be handled by multi-titled mentor Yeng Guiao at least for the next two years. Joining the fiery tactician are some of his players from the Air21 Express, whom Rain or Shine acquired in a multi-player, three-team trade — Ronjay Buenafe, Beau Belga and the injured Ronnie Matias. Their import is Hassan Adams, former teammate of Jason Kidd in the New Jersey Nets.
A B-Meg Derby Ace team insider told GMA News that Spears has more upside than Brown, an Australian Basketball League All-Stars slam dunk winner, Argentinian All-Stars Most Valuable Player, and who made the eurobasket.com All-Imports team last year.
“Spears has a solid body built. In his first practice game with us Monday, he showed a glimpse of what he can give to the team. He has a decent shot from the perimeter, and plays solid inside because he’s an undersized power forward. Medyo mahaba rin ang galamay so he can help us up front," said the team insider, who refused to be identified.
Express tap old hand as temporary reinforcement
Meanwhile, Air21 has tapped Geremy Robinson, former import of the M Lhuillier-Kwarta Padala in the Cebu City Mayor's Cup, to become the team’s temporary import pending the arrival of Alpha Bangura.
Robinson, who once played for the Express several years ago, was a former member of the Hawaii Warriors. In his only game with the Express in the 2002 Commissioner’s Cup, Robinson finished with 12 points, seven rebounds and six turnovers, more than half of the total errors of the then Derick Pumaren-mentored squad.
Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio told GMA News that Bangura, former teammate of ex-Talk N Text Tropang Texters’ import Tiras Wade in the Lebanese League, cannot make it in time for the Express’ next game.
“I think Bangura can come in sometime next week, so we have to find a temporary import. He (Robinson) was recommended by Bobby Parks," said Gregorio, whose team has already sent home the one-dimensional import JaJuan Smith.
Rey Joble, GMA News TV
