AFTER the furor over Renaldo Balkman's attack on a teammate and his subsequent lifetime ban, the last thing Petron needs right now is another controversy.
There would be no such thing from Rodney White, assures his agent.
Import agent Sheryl Reyes said Boosters fans traumatized by the Balkman episode need not worry about White, even though the import has had a more troubled past than the man he replaced.
According to online reports, White, a first-round pick at No. 9 overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2001, was once arrested when US authorities discovered an "elaborate" marijuana-growing operation in his home in North Carolina in 2011.
Online reports also said he faced gun charges back when he was still with the Denver Nuggets in 2004.
Still, Reyes assured that the 6-9 import has turned a new leaf.
“After a troubled past, Rodney’s life has already turned around. Kasi he wants to prove something at gusto niyang pasayahin yung mga tao na nagtiwala sa kanya to give him a second chance,” said Reyes.
“I know some fans are worried about Rey’s (Balkman) replacement, pero trust me, Rodney has been continuously displaying better image as a player,” added the female agent.
Reyes likewise assured that White can be a good replacement for Balkman and, like the banned former New York Knick, can bring a lot to the table as far as the Boosters' offense is concerned.
“Although, maraming offensive weapons sa Petron, Rodney is a veteran and unpredictable on the court. He may be different from Balkman, pero I’m sure he’s the best replacement," said Reyes.
"Maraming special skills si Rodney ... May side (ng laro) si Rodney na wala si Balkman that he can inject sa Blaze Boosters this time.
“Kaya I really pressed for White, kasi I know may high pressure sa Petron ngayon, and kailangan nila ng somebody who’s familiar with the league and hindi mape-pressure,” added Reyes.
White averaged 29.8 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 1.2 steals in his previous stint in the local league with Barako Bull last season, but he went home after five games citing a family emergency.
Reyes explained: “He wanted to finish his stint noon kaso lang he needed to leave kasi may sakit yung daddy niya."
Asked if White will last this time, Reyes said: “Yes, in fact his mom will arrive here soon after, plus his best friend (Talk 'N Text import) Donnell Harvey is also here.”
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