Ginebra, Barako Bull bring in new reinforcements

MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Barangay Ginebra and Barako Bull are the latest teams to switch imports as the Motolite-PBA Fiesta Cup goes on a two-week break. The Kings have given Rod Nealy the pink slip, ditto with the Energy Boosters, who terminated the services of Scooter McFadgon. Barako Bull is now set to bring in Jeff Varem, the former Coca-Cola import, to take the place of McFadgon, who at 6-foot-3, is the smallest among the current crop of imports. On the other hand, the Kings are now looking at five imports who can lead them to a winning streak and a better standing. Coach Jong Uichico, however, would not name any one of the five imports the team is considering, hinting only that none of them has ever played before in the PBA. He, however, hopes that they could sign a new reinforcement within the week. Although he has improved in terms of shooting skills, Nealy has failed to carry the Gin Kings to a spot they want to be. Ginebra has only two victories by far in seven games, and is tied with Alaska for 8th and 9th spots. Ginebra’s next assignment will be Rain or Shine on April 17. As the Fiesta Conference hit the halfway point of the elimination round, only Burger King (Shawn Daniels) and Sta. Lucia Realty (Anthony Johnson) have not changed imports. Purefoods has already bared its intentions of replacing Jahmar Thorpe in favor of Marquin Chandler, its former reinforcement and one-time Best Import awardee. Purefoods’ board representative, Rene Pardo, however, is thinking twice whether to hire Chandler or not. Pardo said Chandler has a lucrative contract with a ball club in the Korean Basketball League that begins in July. –GMANews.TV