Chandler eyes to shore up slumping Purefoods’ Fiesta Cup campaign

MANILA, Philippines – Marquin Chandler, Purefoods’ resident import, will be back in action to help rescue the TJ Giants’ slumping campaign in the ongoing Motolite-PBA Fiesta Conference. Chandler arrived 5:00 a.m. Saturday and appeared ready to plunge into action. The news was confirmed by Purefoods board governor Rene Pardo to GMANews.TV, who also added that the former best import winner is in tip-top condition coming off a fruitful stint in Korea. “I think he’s in great condition coming off a stint in the Korean Basketball League where he emerged as one of the best imports there," said Pardo of the come backing Chandler, who steered the team all the way to the 2005-2006 Fiesta Conference finals. Chandler was the second best scorer in the KBL, averaging 25.6 points and sixth in block shots average (1.5). He will play the No.3 spot and will join Enrico Villanueva, Kerby Raymundo, James Yap and newly-acquired Celino Cruz in the Giants’ starting unit. Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said Chandler’s return will certainly be a big boost to their cause. “He’s our original choice, but he’s unavailable at the time the Fiesta Conference started," said Gregorio. “We’re happy to have him back. We know he’s a proven winner and he’s familiar with the team’s system." Chandler will play his first game on Wednesday against Coca-Cola. It would be an interesting match for him as he will meet his rival James Penny. Penny, then playing for Red Bull three seasons ago, defeated the Chandler-led Purefoods squad in the Fiesta Conference finals in six games. “Marquin has an unfinished business as he fell short of leading us to the championship. He’s a go-to-guy and a dependable scorer," said Gregorio. “Hope we can go all the way this time." – GMANews.TV