IT MAY seem too late but B-Meg Derby Ace is finally ditching its latest import in a bid to salvage its campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Llamados are set to bring in Courtney Beasley, a former University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagle, for Shamari Spears whose averages of 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds in five games since replacing Robert Brown are considered tame.
Spears, however, will still play today when the Llamados take their turn at Smart-Gilas at the Araneta Coliseum. The Nationals are undefeated in five games largely due to naturalized player Marcus Douthit.
"He is a southpaw and plays guard but also has some post-up moves," team manager Alvin Patrimonio said of Beasley, who is coming off a stint in the Peruvian leagues where he averaged 27 points and 8.0 rebounds.
Listed at 6-foot-3, Beasley is expected to arrive before Sunday and suit in the Llamados’ next game against San Miguel Beer.
The Llamados have to make do with Spears in their bid to snap a two-game slide against a Gilas team that has been mowing down its pro opponents with impunity.
Aside from Spears’ tame production, the Llamados also have to contend with injuries that have severely decimated their roster. Already playing without Rafi Ravis, Rico Maierhofer and Don Carlos Allado, the team has also lost Jondan Salvador (knee) and Jonas Villanueva (severe ankle sprain).
"We’re down with injuries but we’re not out yet," said Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent. "We just have to be hopeful, keep the faith and keep on working hard.
"We still have a lot of bodies to man the fort. It’s time for the rest of the players to step up, especially Spears."
Although the Llamados have a measly 2-4 record, Gilas coach Rajko Toroman insisted Derby Ace is a force to reckon with.
"They are a very strong team. They have talented and skilled outside players and very strong inside players," said the Serbian national, adding the will to be included in the top six and advance to the playoffs is an additional motivation for the Llamados.
"Maybe they will be under pressure because they have to win. On the other side, we are already in the first six and we can play our game without any pressure," he stated. "It will be a difficult game for us but we will do everything to win."
The Llamados intend to win, not merely to show up for the game.
"We owe it to the fans, so up to the end lalaban at lalaban ang mga bata," said Rene Pardo, Patrimonio’s predecessor who is now the current PBA chairman.
Powerade battles Meralco in the other game, with both teams seeking their second straight victories.
"We all understand the significance of this game for our campaign this
conference. We are going to realize how strong our team character has become up to this point," said Tigers coach Bo Perasol, whose team snapped a three-game slide with a come-from-behind 99-91 win over SMB last Wednesday.
The Bolts finally notched their breakthrough win in the mid-season tourney by rallying past the Llamados 89-86 last Friday.
"Our come-from behind win versus B-Meg gave us an emotional lift and, more importantly, an open window to make it to the playoffs via the back door," said coach Ryan Gegorio.
Noli Cortez, Business Malaya Insight
