Petron reaches deal with new import as Sims is set to arrive Wednesday

FILE – Georgetown center Henry Sims (14) goes to the basket against IUPUI forward Christian Siakam (55) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, in Washington. Georgetown won 81-58. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

MANILA, Philippines — Petron has finally sealed the deal with a new import, its third this 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, as Henry Sims is set to arrive here on Wednesday.

After a few kinks, the Boosters’ management and Sims’ NBA D-League squad Erie BayHawks have reached an agreement in time for Petron’s game on Friday against Meralco.

“It’s official, it’s Henry Sims,” said SMC sports director Noli Eala on his Twitter account (@nolieala) Tuesday. “[He] arrives tomorrow. Welcome to the SMC fam [Henry Sims].”
Sims was putting up 16.4 points per game for the Bayhawks in the NBA D-League, which went along with 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.5 blocks per game.

Before hopping on a plane to Manila, Sims even took the time to thank his former team where he played starting center.

“Thanks to the city of Erie for a great Rookie year! #philippineshereIcome,” tweeted Sims (@H_Sims14).

After Renaldo Balkman’s sudden exit in the league, Petron has struggled with its imports as even negotiations with Sims almost fell through.

But the only question that remains now is whether the Boosters’ coaching staff will opt to play Sims on Friday instead of Gabe Freeman, who has been practicing with them the past week.

“Who Petron will use on Friday is the coaches’ call. [Management] has supported them with the tools to win,” Eala said.