Embattled SMB to play all-Filipino amid drama with import Wilkerson

Wilkerson won't play in San Miguel's do-or-die game. KC Cruz

Already down 2-0 in the series, San Miguel Beer will play with an all-Filipino roster in Game Three of their best-of-five semifinals against Rain or Shine on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.

Speculations have been swirling that the Beermen may have to play without an import after Tyler Wilkerson did not attend their team practice on Wednesday.

The top candidate to win the Best Import award had an outburst in the locker room following their loss to the Elasto Painters in Game Two.

"The coaches, with the support of the management, have decided to play All-Filipino today and eventually end our working relationship with [Tyler Wilkerson]," said team manager Gee Abanilla in a press statement.

"In the end, it's not always about wins and losses per se," he said. "We will always sacrifice great talent for harmony in our team."

Wilkerson averaged 36.6 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 2.7 assists in 43 minutes per game in a stellar performance for SMB all conference long.

After falling to Rain or Shine twice in the semis and getting at the brink of elimination, however, the 27-year-old power forward grew frustrated with the team.

He was heard shouting "Take me back to America" after SMB's 98-96 loss on Tuesday night. —JST, GMA News