PBA Governors’ Cup fires off; Asian aces beef up sides

Two fancied Asian imports make their PBA debuts Tuesday when Meralco and Globalport clash in the main game of a doubleheader that fires off the season-ending Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Iran-born guard Benny Koochie suits up for the Bolts in their 7 p.m. clash with the Batang Pier and Palestinian Omar Krayem as the two cagers join Americans in their respective sides.

Andre Emmet will be Koochie’s American import, while 7-foot former Golden State Warrior first-round pick Patrick O’Bryant will banner the Batang Pier.

Blackwater and Alaska slug it out in the first game at 4:15 p.m.

Asian imports are options introduced by league chair Patrick Gregorio of PLDT which teams can take. Several squads have opted for just an import each, counting the Elite, who are pinning their hopes yet again on Marcus Douthit.

Douthit, the Gilas Pilipinas center, hopes to take Blackwater past the eliminations this time and avoid finishing in the cellar for the third straight conference.

Alaska has tapped Romeo Travis, a high school teammate of Lebron James in Akron, as its import for the season’s third tournament.