Bell rejoins Tigers, sees action versus Texters

Rashad Bell, the talented, returning import, is back with the Coca-Cola Tigers. This after the Talk N Text management agreed to release its rights on the former Boston College standout, who was quickly acquired by the Tigers as a replacement import for James Penny. Penny was replaced after the Tigers lost five of their last six games. The 6-foot-6 forward, one of only two active imports who won a Philippine Basketball Association title, played goat when he missed two important free throws in their team’s heartbreaking 103-104 loss to the Alaska Aces several days ago. But Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol wasn’t looking at that game where the Aces executed a game-winning alley-hoop play. Instead, he was more concerned about Penny’s inconsistency, especially on the offensive end. “We need to win five of our last nine games in order for us to make it to the outright quarterfinals stage. That’s our main target right now," said Perasol. “James is not a legitimate scorer. It’s true, we asked him to be more offensive minded, but he’s not a natural scorer. We need a swingman who can score easily and can carry us all the way to the quarterfinal round." Bell, who played for the Tropang Texters last season, was released by Talk N Text management and this was confirmed by Coca-Cola board governor JB Baylon to GMANews.TV. “Talk N Text has graciously agreed to release Rashad Bell to Coca-Cola. He will be taking over James Penny, whose services we deeply appreciated," Baylon said in a text message. “But what we appreciated more is the gesture of Talk N Text in light of the fact that the Tigers’ next game is against the Tropang Texters on May 14." The Tigers lost their last four outings as they fell into sixth place with a 4-5 record, this after leading the tournament earlier by winning their first three games. Bell last played in the Korean Basketball League with the Inchon ET Land Black Slamer where he averaged 15.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists. - Rey Joble, GMANews.TV