Rain or Shine import Hassan Adams, the only reinforcement seeing action in the PBA Commissioner's Cup with an NBA experience, has only two choices in his team’s next game against the rampaging Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings — step up or go home. Adams’ current situation was relayed by Elasto Painters mentor Yeng Guiao to GMA News.
“I just told him that he needs to step up or face the consequences of being replaced. I’m sure alam naman ng mga imports ‘yan," said Guiao in a telephone interview. “The reason for our downfall in our last three games was based on two things. One, our import’s game went down, while the second one was our poor free throw shooting."
In their 92-94 loss to the Air21 Express, the Elasto Painters shot a poor 18-of-34 from the charity stripe, the same shooting output they had in their first loss of the tournament against the Talk N Text Tropang Texters, 78-99, last March 13.
Adams, who was averaging 24.66 in the team’s first three games, all of which they won, averaged 22.33 in the team’s losses. He had a conference-low 14 points in the Elasto Painters’ 94-99 loss to the undefeated Pilipinas-Smart Gilas last March 18.
But instead of replacing their import outright after the three straight losses, Guiao and his coaching staff have decided to give Adams one more chance to prove his worth.
The fiery mentor also gave emphasis on the importance of local support,and he wants to see results right away in his team’s next game against the crowd favorite Gin Kings in their Saturday encounter in Panabo City.
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud informed GMA News that the board meeting has been reset to March 29, Tuesday.
“That’s because the board chairman wants full attendance," said Salud in a telephone interview.
Up for discussion is Phoenix Petroleum’s plan to take over the Barako Bull franchise. Barako Bull, thru team owner George Chua, has informed the Commissioner’s Office that they will no longer participate in the season-ending third conference.
Rey Joble, GMA News TV
