PBA: Beermen test new import, battle Tropang Texters

JOSH Boone (left), San Miguel Beer’s prolific but unneeded import, disputes the rebound with Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter in a recent game at Smart Araneta Coliseum won by the Beermen. EDWIN BELLOSILLO

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer has tapped a new import it thinks could at least match the explosive show of Josh Boone.

Kevin Jones, an NBA D-League All Star who played for Canton Charge, is filling Boone’s slot as the Beermen tangle with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters Friday night for the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Barako Bull and Air21 earlier stepped on the Smart Araneta Coliseum floor, both aiming to move up in the standings in the 5:45 p.m. match. Both split their first two games.

Unbeaten in two outings, the Beermen dropped Boone, an NBA first-round draft pick, despite posting averages of 24 points and 18.5 boards in the twin victories over Barangay Ginebra and Meralco.

Boone had 32 points, 21 rebounds and two blocks in his swan song with the Beermen, who routed the Gin Kings, 112-96.

“He’s (Jones) a strong defender who could make life miserable for the import of the other team,’’ said SMB coach Biboy Ravanes. “It will be interesting to see him stuff the lane with June Mar Fajardo.’’

Recovering from a sprained ankle, the 6-foot-9 Fajardo is now ready to play alongside Jones, a 6-foot-7 former West Virginia star who didn’t make it to the 2012 NBA Draft but almost made it to the Cleveland Cavaliers roster.

The Tropang Texters also started strong, scoring inspiring wins over Air21 and Alaska with import Richard Howell and stealthy point guard Jason Castro spearheading the demolition job.

“It’s very important to have a good start in the conference,” said TNT coach Norman Black. “We look at this conference more as a sprint, so we really need to have a good start.”

Joshua Dollard was a blessing for the Energy Cola with the alternate import surprising his team with a 44-point, 19-rebound effort in a 110-106 win over Rain or Shine.

“He’s a backup to our first import who didn’t make it,” said Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos. “We didn’t expect him to play that way.”

But just like any other import in the conference, Dollard is still trying to blend with Mick Pennisi, Dorian Pena, JC Intal, Willie Miller, Ronjay Buenafe and Dennis Miranda.