It seems that the current crop of imports do indeed possess some explosive credentials but have so far failed to impress the PBA fans thus far.

While a lot is expected from these reinforcements, we have yet to see a consistent performance that the likes of Gabe Freeman (San Miguel) and Diamon Simpson (Alaska Aces) gave during their time.

They can fly, they can dunk and they can certainly contribute to the team. But as far as dominance is concerned, we have yet to see an import who will bring in the fans to the playing venues.

And as far as some teams (if not all) are concerned, the short format conference provides them with very little option as far as sticking to the right import that will lead them to the PBA glory road.

So far, there have been imports already sent their walking papers. This includes Ira Brown of San Miguel Beer, Jeremy Robinson of the Air21 Express and Robert Brown of B-Meg Derby Ace.

The three have already been replaced with David Young (San Miguel), Alpha Bangura (Air21) and Shamari Spears (B-Meg). Unfortunately, it looks like Spears may be replaced soon as well until he comes up with a worthy performance for B-Meg.

Meralco’s Anthony Dandridge and Powerade’s Russel Carter are likewise expected to be replaced soon.

To date, credible performances go to the likes of Barangay Ginebra’s Nate Brumfeld, Talk ‘N Text’s Paul Harris, RoS Hassan Adams and Alaska’s Larry Williams. While their teams aren’t necessarily perfect for now, they have helped their team become competitive.

Overall, there is no one import that one can consider as dominant. It has become a team effort and the PBA local players are certainly stepping it up against the foreign talent.

Unless the new crop of PBA import replacements can wow the crowd and render something fancy, success in the current PBA Commissioner’s cup tourney will seemingly depend on the home-grown talent’s performance.

And of course, Smart Gilas seems to have the inside track for now. The guest team has been making waves in the PBA conference thanks to teamwork and the system being employed by national squad coach Rajko Toroman.

Smart Gilas is experiencing success thanks to the likes of seven–foot Marcus Douthit, Chris Tiu, Marcio Lassiter, JV Casio and Aldrech Ramos.

So far, the Smart Gilas squad has downed two PBA heavyweights. They have defeated the Talk ‘N Text squad and the Alaska Aces thus far. They meet the re-tooled Air21 squad tomorrow.

Brian Yalung, Manila Bulletin