Llamados make big gamble, tap Spears as backup import

Is Shamari Spears worth the gamble? That’s the big question B-Meg Derby Ace and its huge number of supporters would want to be answered soon, after the team signed up the undersized power forward from the Charlotte 49ers, a team from the Atlantic 10 in the US NCAA. Observers are wondering if the 235-pound Spears who is listed at 6-foot-6 in the US would be a good replacement for the team’s first choice, Robert Brown. Brown, a stocky wingman, easily passed the 6-foot-4 height limit as he was measured at 6-foot-2 and 5/16. Brown was an Australian Basketball League All-Stars slam dunk winner, Argentinian All-Stars Most Valuable Player, and made the eurobasket.com All-Imports team last year. But the import failed to impress the squad in some of the team’s tune-up matches, forcing the Llamados to shop around for a possible replacement. And Spears seems the ideal choice. The player, who was booted out of the 49ers’ line-up by first-year coach Alan Major more than two months ago, is scheduled to arrive at 12 midnight on Monday, Feb. 21. Prior to his dismissal, Spears was averaging 17 points and 3.2 points per game for the 49ers. B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent said it’s still not clear whether Spears will be the one suiting up for the Llamados’ first game of the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup next week, or if the team will stick it out with Brown. “We have to see Spears first," said Gallent in a text message to GMA News. “He will attend our practice on Monday and from there we will decide." Spears’ game isn’t the only concern of the Llamados. The import will need to pass the 6-foot-4 height limit. Eddie Basden, also listed 6-foot-6 in the US, exceeded the height limit and was sent home by the Alaska Aces, who eventually tapped LD Williams as their import. - KY, Rey Joble, GMA News