SAN Miguel made do with Quincy Miller for its import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as it failed to secure the playing clearance for earlier choice Troy Baxter.
Coach Jorge Gallent disclosed the camp of the 28-year-old native of Florida hasn't secured his playing clearance yet that the Beermen decided to look for a replacement import heading to its debut outing against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Baxter last played for the Johor Southern Tigers in the Major Basketball League Malaysia.
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Gallent said Baxter’s case was the same as Rain or Shine import Deon Thompson, who failed to suit up in the team’s 121-111 loss to Meralco for likewise failing to secure his playing clearance.
“We cannot just wait, wait, and wait. So we just decided to look for a replacement,” said Gallent shortly after San Miguel’s 107-104 comeback win over Phoenix.
The Beermen actually didn’t have to scramble finding an immediate replacement since they have the 6-foot-10 Miller around, playing for them as one of two imports in the EASL.
Miller has been with the team since October and already played two games with San Miguel in the regional league while teaming up with EJ Anosike, who was the team’s import in the Governors’ Cup.
“We’re just privileged because we’re in the EASL, so we’re gonna have two imports,” said Gallent. “Unfortunately, yung clearance ni Troy did not come as early as we wanted. So we just have to look for another import whether in the EASL or in the PBA.”
With Miller available, the Beermen decided to tap him as substitute import to hold the fort for San Miguel at the time being.
The former NBA player did fine playing back in the league since his stint with TNT in last year’s edition of the same conference. He finished with 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the close win over Phoenix, though he just shot 5-of-17 from the field.
“So far, yes,” said Gallent when asked if the former NBA player will stay on as San Miguel import. “We’ve been looking for imports, but as of now, it’s still him (Miller).”
Anosike has likewise left the country, leaving the Beermen with only Miller to hold on as import in both the PBA and EASL.
San Miguel will have its next game in the EASL on Dec. 18 when it battles Eastern at the Southorn Stadium in Hong Kong.
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