By JONAS TERRADO
Games Tomorrow
(Alonte Sports Arena, Binan)
4:30 p.m. – Phoenix vs NLEX
7 p.m. – Ginebra vs Blackwater
Troy Gillenwater doesn’t see his role as import of the talent-laden San Miguel Beermen an easy task, vowing to get the job done despite speculations surrounding his stint in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Gillenwater’s performance was expected to be put under the microscope in last night’s debut against the Meralco Bolts at the Mall of Asia Arena, giving the Beermen management and fans a first-hand look on whether he’ll be the right fit for the team that is seeking to win another championship.
While attention was on rookie Christian Standhardinger’s arrival, some have speculated Gillenwater as a possible standby import for either Charles Rhodes or Renaldo Balkman, two former San Miguel imports.
Rhodes played a major role in San Miguel winning last year’s Commissioner’s Cup crown while taking the Best Import award in the process, while Balkman recently led Alab Pilipinas to the ASEAN Basketball League title.
However, San Miguel management insisted in recent interviews that it will stick with Gillenwater as long as he lives up to the expectations.
While he’ll have the luxury of having the play a lesser role considering the Beermen’s array of talent, Gillenwater insists that he’s presence remains crucial.
“We do have a lot of talent,” Gillenwater said after Tuesday’s practice at the Acropolis gym in Quezon City. “Some games I might have a big game, in some games Marcio (Lassiter) can have a big game or C-Ross (Chris Ross) can have a big game, June Mar (Fajardo) can have a big game, Arwind (Santos) can have a big game.
“My job and what I’m trying to do is just play smart and just try to play my role,” added the 29-year-old.
San Miguel’s choice of import will play a pivotal role in its quest to capture a second straight Commissioner’s Cup title and edge closer toward a PBA Grand Slam that the Beermen failed to accomplish last season.
In fact, the Beermen’s failure to claim the Governors’ Cup crown the previous year also centered on their struggles on finding the right reinforcement, fielding Wendell McKines, Terik Bridgman and Terrence Watson.
The Beermen placed sixth in the elimination round and were eliminated in the quarterfinals by eventual champion Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
SMB can only hope it won’t suffer the same fate this time.
