Bolts to stick with import Dandridge vs Kings

Rookie franchise Meralco is sticking with explosive import Anthony Dandridge, whom coach Ryan Gregorio said would be ready for banger Nate Brumfield and the Barangay Ginebra Kings when the two teams kick off the PBA Commissioner's Cup this Friday in Laoag City. Gregorio confirmed that the 6-foot-3 former University of New Mexico stalwart did hurt himself while going for a dunk in one of the Bolts’ pre-season exhibition matches, but the injury was not serious enough for the team to consider replacing the 2009 U.S. NCAA Slamdunk champion. At least not at this stage. The Meralco coach said he expects Dandridge to suit up for the Bolts' first game in the import-laden tournament. "Nope (we will not replace him). He will be ready by Friday versus Ginebra," said Gregorio in a text message to GMA News. "He suffered a grade 1 hamstring strain, but nothing serious." Dandridge is loaded with impressive credentials. As a member of the Lobos from 2005-2009, the 24-year-old import from San Bernardo, California played under former NBA player Steve Alford in the Mountain West Conference of the NCAA Division 1. Alford was also a member of the U.S. basketball team that won the gold in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, having for his teammate's cage greats Michael Jordan, Patrick Ewing and Chris Mullin, with the venerable Bobby Knight as coach. A holder of a bachelor's degree in university studies, Dandridge saw action for the Albuquerque Thunderbirds in the NBA Developmental League. He is coming off a stint in the Lebanese Basketball League, where he ranked second in scoring (28.0 points per game) behind Lebanon national team mainstay Fadi El Khatib. Gregorio is understandably enamored with what he has seen so far of his talented import. "He's (Dandridge) a natural 3 who has incredible athleticism. And he can jump out of the gym," he said. "He is a great fastbreak finisher and a good slasher, a very aggressive defender and rebounder." Dandridge staying on as Meralco's import comes as pleasant news for the Bolts, who continued to fortify their roster by adding big men Marlou Aquino and Reynel Hugnatan just before the start of the second conference. – JVP, KY, GMA News