NBA veterans Renaldo Balkman and Herbert Hill are set to reinforce Petron Blaze and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, respectively, in the PBA's Commissioner's Cup beginning on February 8.
San Miguel Corp. sports director Noli Eala confirmed the twin signings on Twitter, welcoming the arrival of Balkman who he expects to be a "solid worker, hard nose defender and energy guy" for the Boosters.
Listed at 6-8, Balkman was a crowd favorite in New York after the Knicks drafted him 20th overall in 2006. The 28-year-old moved to the Denver Nuggets in the 2008-2010 season before being reacquired by the Knicks in the 2010-2011 season.
The University of South Carolina alum was released by the Knicks in February to make room for shooter JR Smith.
The Boosters now hope to feed on the hustle and energy of Balkman, as they try to redeem themselves after an early exit in the season-opening Philippine Cup.
On the other hand, the Gin Kings put premium on height and rebounding in going for the 6-10 Hill, who was drafted in the second round at 55th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2007 draft before he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers.
The 28-year-old Hill recently played for the Incheon Elephants in the Korean Basketball League and is expected to provide a strong inside presence for the Gin Kings, who bowed out at the quarterfinal stage in the Philippine Cup.
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