BY REYNALD MAGALLON
Two returning reinforcements. Two Best Import awardees.
An interesting showdown between two of the most dominant imports in the PBA Governors’ Cup is taking the spotlight as Meralco’s Allen Durham goes up against TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson in the clash for the early lead in the Group A standings on Thursday, Aug. 22.
Tip-off of the duel is at 7:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with a battle between debuting NLEX and Blackwater seeking for its first win serving as a fitting appetizer in the first game at 5 p.m.
Durham had to shake off the cobwebs in the first half before taking over for the Bolts in their 99-94 opening day win over Magnolia. He still finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds – a stellar performance in his first game back considering that he admitted that he has yet to reach his top shape.
On the other hand, Hollis-Jefferson quickly reminded everyone how he became the conference’s reigning Best Import by filling up the stat sheet with his 32 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, four steals and four blocks in TNT’s 101-95 escape of NorthPort.
The tale of the tape has Durham with more Best Import awards however with three although Hollis-Jefferson had the bragging rights of giving his team a title and beating Barangay Ginebra resident import Justin Brownlee in the finals – a feat that remained elusive for Durham through his first three stints with the Bolts.
Aside from the interesting import matchup, a battle between their respective local stars is expected to give another thrilling sidelight to the clash especially since a perfect 2-0 slate this early in the conference is at stake.
Chris Banchero, Chris Newsome and Bong Quinto are poised to provide support to Durham against an equally talented cast for TNT led by Calvin Oftana, Rey Nambatac and Poy Erram.
Meanwhile in the opener, Robert Bolick finally gets to try the four-point shot as he hopes to steer the Road Warriors to a victory against a Bossing team seemingly still searching its identity with second overall pick Sedrick Barefield now into the mix.
