By WAYLON GALVEZ
March 14, 2009, 12:00am



On Oct. 10, 1992, Swift import Tony Harris scored 105 points against Ginebra San Miguel, erasing the previous high of 103 points set by Michael Hackett of Ginebra in 1985.

On Nov. 24, 1985, Hackett pulled down 45 rebounds against Great Taste, another league record that has remained untouched to this day.

The days of the super imports are over, according to Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.

“It’s tough for an import to score 50, 60 points at this point,” Gregorio said. “Because of good scouting, teams are applying double, triple-team defense and imports will always be a target.”

That’s why, Gregorio added, teams are lucky to have imports that can contribute in other departments. These days, imports are given roles other than putting the ball into the basket.

“The most important thing now is that he can blend with the locals, but at the same time, not afraid to take over when needed, when the game is on the line,” Gregorio said.

Purefoods has won its first two assignments with import Brian Hamilton averaging 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 6 assists.

Despite Hamilton’s modest numbers, Gregorio is happy with his import’s performance so far.

“He’s been mixing well with the locals,” Gregorio said.

San Miguel also opened with two wins, the first without an import and the second with Gabe Freeman exploding for 40 points and 15 rebounds.

Among the imports in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference, Sta. Lucia Realty’s Anthony Johnson and Tiras Wade of Talk ’N Text have been dishing out consistent numbers.

Johnson averages 31 points, 16.6 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals.

Wade, on the other hand, brings 34.3 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal per game.

However, Wade remains a temporary import pending the arrival of former Coca-Cola import Rashad Bell.

TNT coach Chot Reyes said it’s too early to assess the performance of imports.

“It’s really hard to make an assessment this early because halos lahat naghi-hintay. Like us with Bell, Alaska is waiting for Rosell Ellis and Coke for James Penny,” Reyes said.

Through three games, Barako Bull import Scooter McFadgon leads all scorers with 35.3 points per game, but he's not as dominant in other aspects of the game ¾ 6.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists.

Burger King's Shawn Daniels has double-double 12 points and 10. 6 rebounds with 4.3 assists, 1.6 steals and 1 block, but it's his dominating presence that makes coach Yeng Guiao happy.

Ginebra's Rod Nealy debuted impressively with a conference-best 42 points and 23 rebounds, and was an assists shy of competing a triple-double performance in a 110-103 win over Coca-Cola.

However, his numbers dipped to 22 points, 17 rebounds and 4.5 assists in the last two games, which resulted in back-to-back defeats.

In Ginebra’s recent loss to Sta. Lucia, Nealy fouled out with three minutes left and left the game with only 18 points, 14 rebounds and five assists.

Rain or Shine has replaced Charles Clark with Jai Lewis, a former teammate of Gabe Norwood at Groege Mason University.

Temporary imports J.J. Sullinger of Coca-Cola and Galen Young of Alaska average 26 and 11 points, respectively.

For Reyes, luck also plays a factor.

“In imports, sometimes it’s just luck. If you’re lucky you’ll get a very good one, but if not, kung malas-malas ka makakakuha ka ng may topak,” Reyes said. “Pwede ring hindi mag-fit sa system or ma-injure. Lots of things you have to consider in import conference.


Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/node/198941