The Right Fit

The real deal. Sorry Ms. Sheryl!
(Photo courtesy of Sports5)

It's that time of the PBA season once again wherein teams try their very best to remain (or be) competitive by adding a foreign reinforcement. The trouble with this set-up is that it's a hit-or-miss affair, since you're never truly guaranteed of having the right chemistry or wins, not until the import comes over and actually plays a few games with the team.

There are those who have solid credentials but never really lived up to the hype, some who were able to deliver, and other unknowns and sleepers (Terquin Mott, Devin Davis and Damien Owens from an era ago, Diamon Simpson, AZ Reid, Marqus Blakely) who pretty much take their teams to the promise land and even come back several times to help their team keep that winning tradition. Sometimes, it's not all about the credentials. Sometimes, you just have to take a leap of faith when it comes to adding an import. But it would be absurd for a team to throw team chemistry and addressing certain needs out the window if only to get a name. Right?

Well, some times.

Here's our take on the PBA imports that we've seen so far:


Alaska Aces - DJ Covington, 6"9
He wasn't as impressive as his credentials of being a 2013-2014 NCAA Big South Conference's Defensive Player of the Year in his debut with the Aces thus far wherein he finished with a paltry 19 points and 5 rebounds in a losing effort against Purefoods and counterpart Marqus Blakely (who finished with 11 rebounds, 6 more than Covington who is 3 inches taller). If anything, it appeared as though resident star Calvin Abueva was not all too pleased with his import.

Barako Bull - Solomon Alabi, 7"1
This guy has the Greg "I don't look my age" Oden syndrome. Still, in two games for Barako, Alabi has been a presence in the paint be it on offense or defense which is just what the doctor ordered for this blah of a farm team. Having Alabi inside allowed Sol Mercado and even Chico Lanete to do as they please from the outside in, knowing they have a guy to dump the ball to when needed. Buti na lang ang import hindi na-te-trade ano?

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel - Mike Dunnigan, 6"10
This is Dunnigan's 2nd tour of duty in the PBA and we already know what he brings to the table-- he has a clutch gene, a superb low to mid post game and doesn't mind getting hit at all. Problem is, in two games, he's been caught in the middle of a team that's in transition system-wise. For everyone's sake, we hope that Ginebra finds a middle ground of what style they want to play and just get Dunnigan the damn ball.

Blackwater - Marcus Douthit, 6"11
Hey there Big Daddy, nice to see you again after you were unfairly called out in Korea for something that wasn't your fault at all. We forgive you, we can't blame you for whatever happened there. It's nice to have you back. But please, stop saying you're out of shape and what not. It's not helping your rep as of late. 20-12 center who can anchor the Blackwater's offense and defense. Now if only he can find a guard on that line-up who's willing to step up and be the Kobe to his Shaq. Or Manu to Tim. Or... you get the idea.

GlobalPort Batang Pier - Calvin Leslie, 6"9
Sorry, haven't seen him play but according to his stats he looks quite solid.

Kia - PJ Ramos, 7"4
What a mammoth of a human being Ramos is. We have to apologize to agent Ms. Sheryl Reyes for doubting her scouting genius as Ramos has proven to be as good (if not better) than advertised for Kia. He's still a step slower than the competition, but his fundamentals on the block are legit and he knows how to use his size. Put him on a contender and they'll dominate the league. Unfortunately, he's stuck playing for Pacquiao.

Meralco - Josh Davis, 6"8
What a work horse! He's almost like a taller, step slower Gabe Freeman for Meralco. Which is nice and all, but did Meralco really need another energy guy? Hindi ba sentro ang kelangan nila mula nung Philippine Cup? Anyare?

NLEX - Al Thornton, 6"9
This former NBA stud needs to get in shape. Fast. The skillset is there, but the conditioning isn't up to par. How can we say this? Well, just look at his body. No muscle tone.

Purefoods Star - Marqus Blakely, 6"6
The smallest import in the PBA is reportedly on his way out, despite leading the defending champs to 2 wins. Well, if this Orton guy doesn't make an impact right away, we have no qualms about bringing the best damn 2-way import in the field in Blakely back. Plus, wouldn't it be an advantage for Purefoods to have a wing for an import? No local can guard him. He'll be too quick for his import counterparts. So...

Rain or Shine - Richard Jackson, 6"9
Wasn't impressed with his first game. 2nd game's much better. But as an RoS fan, I'd love for Wayne Chism to come back now that he's available.

San Miguel - Ronald Roberts, 6"8
Haven't seen him play yet.

Talk'n'Text - Richard Howell, 6"8
Blue collar import for a blue collar team. Yep, TNT got the guy they needed in Howell who is basically a bigger, younger Ali Peek in the paint but with more athleticism and mobility.

Who do you think is the best import out there? Which team got it right?