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[av_heading heading=’New TNT import? | Katropa readies replacement for injured Smith’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Monday, June 19, 2017
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MANILA – TNT Katropa consider replacing import Joshua Smith as they head into their 2017 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against San Miguel Beermen starting Wednesday.
Smith might not be fit for the Finals after sustaining a torn ligament on his right toes, Katropa team manager Virgil Villavicencio said. TNT already flew in a possible replacement: Mike Myers.
Smith sustained the injury during the Game 3 of the semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings on Thursday last week.
He still played in Game 4 on Saturday when he finished with 18 points and five rebounds in 21 minutes of action.
“The coaching staff will still have to sit down and decide whether to retain Smith or not,” Villavicencio said. “Gusto niyang (Smith) maglaro at mukhang kaya naman but we will see.”
Just like Smith, Myers — a native of Camden, New Jersey— is also a wide-bodied center that is expected to cause a huge problem to Beermen centers June Mar Fajardo and Charles Rhodes.
“(Myers) was also in our list as import this conference,” Villavicencio said. “We’re just fortunate na wala siyang pinaglalaruang liga when we contacted his agent on short notice.”
“Just like Joshua, malaki rin ang katawan nitong si Mike so he will be a good match against the bigs of San Miguel,” added Villavicencio. “We will see what the best for the team will be.”
If Myers gets activated, he will become the fourth import of the Nash Racela-mentored Katropa after starting the conference with NBA veterans Lou Amundson and Donte Greene./PN
(sports foton psl caption)
Cignal HD Spikers’ Relea Saet attempts to score over the defense of Foton Tornadoes’ Christine Joy Rosario during their 2017 Philippine Superliga All-Filipino Conference game on Saturday, June 17. PSL
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