Petron Blaze signs up Rodney White to replace Balkman

MANILA, Philippines — Petron has tapped the services of prolific import Rodney White to replace Renaldo Balkman in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

In a text message to INQUIRER.net on Friday, the Boosters’ head coach Olsen Racela confirmed the news.

“Rodney White na kami. Pumirma na siya. He’ll arrive Sunday morning,” said Racela.

Petron, though, will play sans an import on Saturday against Rain or Shine since it failed to land a deal with its first choice to replace the banned import.

San Miguel Corp. sports director Noli Eala said the negotiations with Samardo Samuels “fell through” because the “terms were too much.”

White, meanwhile, is a familiar name in the PBA as he suited up with Barako Bull last year but asked to be released early due to personal reasons.