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AFTER a hectic first day in Manila, Gabe Freeman has received the all clear and is ready to go for Barangay Ginebra.
The two-time Best Import awardee had a whirlwind day after arriving in a 3:40 a.m. flight from Phoenix, Arizona, joining Ginebra in a one-and-a-half-hour practice at Green Meadows before leaving in a huff to take care of his working visa and professional license.
At the end of the day, Ginebra team governor Robert Non said Freeman is eligible and ready to make his return to the pro league on Sunday against Rain or Shine as a replacement for Josh Powell, who opted out of his contract with the Kings to take up an offer to join the Houston Rockets in the NBA.
“He’ll be ready by Sunday,” said Non.
The 28-year-old basketball journeyman had to be whisked out of the practice venue to comply with the basic requirements from the BID (Bureau of Immigration and Deportation) as well as the Games and Amusement Board before the two offices close for the Holy Week break.
“Yung basic requirements ng import like BID, GAB and the special working permit naayos na naman today,” Non told Spin.ph.
Freeman, who will be officially measured at the PBA office on Saturday, 1 p.m., is no stranger to PBA fans, having played for the San Miguel Beermen in the 2009 and 2010 Fiesta Conference.
He led San Miguel to the 2009 PBA title and played seven games for the Barako Bull in 2012. Freeman owns PBA career averages 21.1 points, 16.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 1.2 steals in 60 games.
He also suited up for the Philippine Patriots and later on, with San Miguel Beer in the regional Asean Basketball League in 2012 and 2013, respectively.
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