PBA: Quick stint for Rodney Carney as Talk ’N Text brings back Paul Harris

Talk ‘N Text is bringing back veteran import Paul Harris to replace former NBA player Rodney Carney, who lasted just one week with the team in the PBA Governors Cup.

Harris, a 6’4” standout from Syracuse, helped the Tropang Texters capture the 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup title, with a 4-2 Finals series victory over Barangay Ginebra.

He is expected to bring in a consistent scoring punch and rebounding for a veteran-laden Talk ‘N Text squad that had to rely on its locals in three straight victories over a span of seven days.

The 27-year-old Harris owns PBA career averages of 24.9 points,11.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in a total of 32 games with the franchise.

Harris is coming off a stint with the SLUC Nancy Basket in the French League.

Talk ’N Text coach Norman Black said the team had to give Carney the pink slip after coming up with a second sub-par performance in three games.

Carney, who was originally selected 16th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2006 NBA Draft, averaged just 17.6 points and 3.6 rebounds during his three-game stint with Talk ‘N Text.

He came in to replace Othyus Jeffers, who only played one game, before bowing out due to a technicality in his contract with NBA team Minnesota Timberwolves.

The 30-year-old former Memphis stalwart scored just 12 points in what turned out to be his farewell game in Talk ‘N Text’s 102-91 win over Air21, Monday.

Harris arrived on Tuesday and is expected to join the team’s practice on Wednesday.

Black said the come-backing PBA import will debut on Friday against Globalport.

Talk 'N Text is currently tied at first place with San Mig Coffee and Ginebra, with all three squads bearing identical 4-1 records. - Richard Dy, SPIN