Beermen powers up with Fazekas, Crews

Just in the Nick of time for Beermen

Remember that tidbit that had Filipino basketball fans buzzing when sweet shooting 6"11 Petron Blaze Boosters import Nick Fazekas was unceremoniously sacked despite multiple solid games?

Well, we finally have an answer to froth at the mouth at.

Fazekas, together with beastly, slamma-jamma Rain or Shine Elasto Painters' import Duke Crews will form arguably the most fearsome import duo in the ASEAN Basketball League for the San Miguel Beermen by next week. Forget the impressive performances of Leo Avenido and Froilan Baguion, or the addition of free agents Roger Yap and Jon Ferriols, this is the move that will definitely get the Beermen over the top and knockout local rivals AirAsia Philippine Patriots.


The Patriots, who were rumored to be bringing in 7"0 Chris Alexander weeks back, appear to have settled with high scoring import Anthony Johnson and finesse big man Nakeia Miller. While those two are the current "cream of the crop," both will have their hands full the next time the two rivals meet (April 14).

More scoring options down low for Avenido 

Johnson is a scorer no doubt about it, but what he has in athleticism and speed, Crews could easily match up and more. Crews, who was playing as an undersized center in the PBA, will slide down to the 4 or even 3 in the ABL where his ball handling skills (under-rated) will be put to good use (quite an effective slasher, sucks at kick-out passes though). Also, Crews' tenacity all over the floor might put Johnson in a bad spot personal fouls-wise.

The Fazekas-Miller match-up would be nice, since both are finesse, skinny bigs who love playing at the perimeter. Slight advantage goes to Miller because he's used to playing a little closer to the hoop on both ends of the court. Game wise however, Fazekas will draw Miller out of the painted area which will put the pressure on the Patriots' frontline (which they have none of).

Mark your calendars for that April 14 game folks, it's going to be a classic.