SMB eyes backup as import-prospect Brown looks uncertain

Currently in the thick of the battle for the PBA Philippine Cup crown against Talk 'N Text, San Miguel Beer also needs to give extra attention to its main import prospect — Ira Brown. Brown, a 6-foot-4 forward who played for US NCAA Division I school Gonzaga, is still finishing his commitment with Argentinian squad Asociacion Española. Whether he can come in time to reinforce the Beermen remains to be seen, with the Commissioner's Cup set to open in three weeks time. San Miguel Beer assistant coach Gee Abanilla told GMANews.TV that the team will have to decide by Friday whether to stick with Brown or look for a replacement. "We will know by Friday. The coaching staff and the management will still have to meet because we have to find out whether our import prospect can come in time. If not, we will tap another guy from our backup list," said Abanilla. Brown was part of the Gonzaga team that won the WCC tournament championship two years ago, but he had a more impressive stint playing in the Mexican League while suiting up for Coras de Tepic. He became the tournament's second best scorer, averaging 25 points and eight rebounds per game last year. "But we have to consider the time, because we thought he could join us earlier, aside from the fact that we still don't know if he can pass the height measurement. We really have to make a decision on Friday," added Abanilla, who temporarily called the shots in some of the games of the Beermen in last season's Fiesta Conference finals against the Alaska Aces. Meanwhile, two imports — slam-dunking Tony Dandridge of Meralco and beefy combo forward Nate Brumfield of Barangay Ginebra — passed the height measurement procedure conducted at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City on Wednesday. Dandridge was measured at 6-foot-3 and 14/16. He is a former slam dunk champion in the US NCAA, but Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio believes he can do a lot of other things. "No question about his athleticism, because it's something out of the ordinary, but I was impressed as well by his work ethics. There was a time I extended my practice session on purpose to see who among my players will quit easily, and I was glad Tony refused to quit. In fact, he stayed long enough and worked on several aspects of his game. For me, that's one of the most important things. I do hope to see more of that in the second conference," said Gregorio. Brumfield, a former Most Valuable Player in NAIA while playing for the Oklahoma Baptist, was measured at 6-foot-3 and 9/16. Ginebra coach Jong Uichico expressed satisfaction over his undersized forward import. "He's doing alright in practice. He's a team player who can give us the inside presence that we need," added Uichico. - Rey Joble, KY, JVP, GMANews.TV