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PBA: San Miguel Beer opts not to bring back Elijah Millsap, taps Reggie Williams


Elijah Millsap (C) during last season’s Governors’ Cup. Nuki Sabio


San Miguel Beermen active consultant Todd Purves said he understands the clamor from fans to bring back last season’s import Elijah Millsap, but said Reggie Williams will be a "great addition" to the team when the team tries to atone for its playoff debacle in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The Beermen had already laid down plans to bring back the versatile Millsap, younger brother of Atlanta Hawks star Paul who led the team - then carrying the colors of Petron - to within a win of a championship in last season's Governors Cup.

However, the team has since changed course and opted for NBA veteran Williams, who will arrive on Sunday and join the Beermen in practice on Monday.

Purves said the change from Millsap to Williams was "management's decision."

The 41-year-old Purves said Williams will no doubt bring his torrid outside shooting to a second-seeded San Miguel squad that bombed out of the Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals after losing twice to seventh seed Air21 just two weeks ago.

“Reggie is gonna be a great addition to the team with his outside shooting. And he’s got great work ethic also who could fit the team,” Purves told Spin.ph shortly after the team’s practice on Friday at the Acropolis gym in Libis, Quezon City.

Listed at 6’6”, the 27-year-old Williams went undrafted in 2008 but eventually found his way to the NBA by way of the Golden State Warriors in the 2009-10 season.

The incoming San Miguel import averaged 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.0 steal in 32.6 minutes with the Warriors - all of which stand as NBA career-high numbers for the native of Prince George, Virginia.

Williams also played for the Charlotte Bobcats before winding up his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, playing a total of just three games this season, averaging 3.7 points in 5.6 minutes per contest.

Prior to joining the Thunder, Williams played 25 games for the Tulsa 66ers in the NBA D-League, where  he averaged 20.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 1.56 steals in 38.0 minutes per game. - Richard Dy, SPIN
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