MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer starts its post-Danny Seigle era today, parading its three new recruits as it tangles with Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s exciting. We have three new players welcomed with open arms by the team’s veterans. And the three look excited to play for us,” said San Miguel coach Ato Agustin.
“The new guys are eager to learn our plays and system, and the old timers are only too willing to help them out,” Agustin added.
The SMB mentor intends to start Rabeh Al-Hussaini at center spot in their 5 p.m. tussle with Meralco.
“Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Noy Baclao will have their minutes. Rey Guevarra is also a good acquisition but he has to wait. He’ll have his time later,” Agustin said.
The Meralco game is Ira Brown’s final test since San Miguel has a backup import in David Young who was to arrive last night.
Young was the Seattle SuperSonics’ 12th second-round pick in the 2004 NBA draft, chosen ahead of players like Trevor Ariza, Blake Stepp and Rashad Wright. Smart Gilas’ Marcus Douthit was with the same batch led by top pick Dwight Howard, No. 2 choice Emeka Okafor and third choice Ben Gordon.
The Xavier U product is known to be a scorer, having once ranked second in scoring in the NBA D-League with an average of 18.5 points per game. He’s fresh from a stint in the Chinese league.
San Miguel is out to rebound from an 87-92 upset by Air21 while Meralco is looking for a first win in three starts.
Alaska Milk plays Smart Gilas in an expected thriller of a showdown..
“They’re young, big, athletic, shoot well and are well-coached and disciplined. That’s a tough combination. We’ll have to find a way to disrupt their execution,” said Alaska coach Tim Cone of the national team.
“Alaska has a good balance and good chemistry. They played well in their previous games. Their import fits them well. They’re an experienced team. It’s going to be a tough game for us,” said Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman.
Making it tougher for the Nationals is the absence of key player Macmac Baracael who suffered a dislocated finger in their first game versus Talk n Text last Friday. The Nationals upended the Texters, 103-98.
Meanwhile, Alaska top forward Joe De Vance has expressed willingness to play for Smart Gilas in its campaign in the FIBA Asia championship late this year.
“I hope I do get a chance to play for Gilas. It would be a great opportunity for me. I would love to play under coach Toroman and play for my country,” said De Vance in his twitter account.
De Vance is among PBA players Toroman is considering for inclusion to the national team.
Nelson Beltran, Philippine Star
