Petron’s import woes drag on as deal with new import falls through

Olsen Racela.

MANILA, Philippines—Petron’s import woes would have to continue until Saturday as the management failed to land a deal with a replacement prospect on Thursday.

San Miguel Corp. sports director Noli Eala disclosed on Twitter that the negotiations between the Boosters and Samardo Samuels “fell through” because the “terms were too much.”

“So close to signing Samardo Samuels but [negotations] just hit a snag. [He] could have been a good fit,” Eala said.
The 24-year-old Samuels suited up with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA on a three-year contract despite being undrafted, and was in and out of the NBA Developmental League.

The Boosters lost Renaldo Balkman, who averaged over 28 points a game,  to a lifetime ban last Monday for his on-court outburst.

Eala admitted in a television interview last Tuesday that they “it’s not going to be easy” finding a replacement for Balkman.

“We did not prepare for his eventuality. We did not have any plan B because everything was going well with Balkman and the team,” Eala said.

Petron would have to double its effort as it goes against the 7-foot-3 Bruno Sundov and Rain or Shine sans an import in Panabo, Davao on Saturday.