Critical piece
With its back pressed to the wall, Barangay Ginebra added a vital piece to its offensive armada on Monday as it makes one last push to make the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.
The Gin Kings gave up their first round pick in this year’s Draft to lure gunslinger Jeff Chan out of Phoenix Petroleum.
Columbian, also in the thick of things for a spot in the next round, will be the first to test how the former Gilas standout fits in Ginebra’s scheme of things when they clash this Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Inserting Chan in the Ginebra wing rotation will give coach Tim Cone another reliable option to break the zone and create proper spacing for the Kings’ terrifying frontline of Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar and import Justin Brownlee.
Columbian coach Ricky Dandan, though, is up to the task.
“Jeff’s addition gives Ginebra more firepower,” Dandan acknowledged. “But we will be ready for him.”
The Kings can’t afford another loss if they want to make the playoffs without a hitch.
Ginebra will be coming into that game fresh from a 104-84 destruction of skidding sister team Magnolia.
After their tussle with the Dyip, the Kings would also need to turn back Alaska and GlobalPort to avoid complications of a playoff.
Chan was a consistent contributor for the Fuel Masters, averaging 11.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 steals in nine games this conference.
Phoenix acquired him from Rain or Shine less than a season ago.
In his final game for the Fuel Masters on Saturday, Chan scored 26 points after sinking seven threes in a losing effort against the Elasto Painters, 108-106.
He reportedly showed up for Phoenix practice early Monday before being informed of the trade.
Chan’s career peaked during his eight seasons with Rain or Shine, where he helped the franchise to its only two championships. He was the Finals Most Valuable Player in the 2012 Governors’ Cup.
Player of the Week
In another development, GlobalPort point guard Stanley Pringle, after shooting 22 points, grabbing eight rebounds and issuing five assists in a 98-94 upset of defending champion San Miguel Beer last week, was named the Cignal-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for June 10 to 16.
The 6-foot guard beat out Meralco’s Jared Dillinger and KG Canaleta, Rain or Shine’s Beau Belga and James Yap and Ginebra’s LA Tenorio for the honor.
GlobalPort has a 4-4 record entering the homestretch of the elimination round and will be playing the Fuel Masters (3-6) in the 4:30 p.m. contest on Wednesday.
GSM 3×3
Meanwhile, Team Tenorio-Davao reigned supreme in the 2018 Ginebra San Miguel 3×3 Tapang ng Tatluhan National Finals on Sunday, clipping Team Jamito-Nueva Ecija in overtime, 18-16, also at the Big Dome.
Jummel Perdido drilled the game-winning long bomb as his side claimed the P50,000 top prize.
Perdido uncorked seven points on his way to being named tournament MVP.
His brother, Jayven Perdido, added five points, the same output of Alexzan Pamugas.
Team Tenorio-Davao played catch-up all game long, staring at a 10-7 deficit at one point as Team Jamito-Nueva Ecija preserved its three-point cushion.
