San Miguel recalls younger brod of Atlanta Hawks star.
San Miguel Beer will now be relying on ‘returning’ import Elijah Millsap as the Beermen continue their drive for a title-retention bid in the season-ending PBA Governors’ Cup.
Millsap, who arrived yesterday morning and immediately joined the team’s afternoon practice session, played for the team under the banner Petron Blaze that lost to Star – formerly San Mig Super Coffee – in Game 7 of the Finals of this similar conference in 2013.
“Yes it’s true that Elijah Millsap planed in this morning,” said SMB team manager Gee Abanilla. Millsap replaced Michael Singletary, who had a 2-1 record in his three games as SMB import.
Abanilla clarified that Singletary has been tabbed as temporary import for the team’s original reinforcement, former two-time Best Import winner AZ Reid, who helped the team win the Governors’ Cup title last season.
“Mike only agreed as a temporary import for us. He has a commitment in Europe and pitched in for us while AZ Reid was nursing (his injured Achilles),” said Abanilla. Reid was allowed to return to the US last week.
“Unfortunately, AZ’s injury did not heal fast enough so now we had to get the services of Elijah, who was fortunately available. We’re excited to welcome Elijah to his next tour of duty,” added Abanilla.
In his initial stint with the franchise, the 29-year-old Millsap, younger brother of Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, averaged 28.57 points, 11.38 rebounds, 4.90 assists and 2.14 steals.
Millsap is expected to play on Sunday when SMB meets Blackwater in Biñan, Laguna.
At 7-3, the Beermen are already assured of the twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinal round.