M. Lhuillier to parade American import versus Brgy Ginebra

Eager to rebound from back-to-back losses against PBA teams, the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers will parade American import Michael Jamar Le Blanc when they collide with crowd-favorite Brgy Ginebra Kings in an exhibition match tomorrow at the Cebu Coliseum. Gametime is set at 6 pm.

Le Blanc, who had stints with University of Connecticut, Vanderbilt University and Houston Baptist University in the prestigious NCAA Division I of the United States, arrived in Cebu yesterday morning. He immediately joined the team’s practice to get acquainted with M. Lhuillier’s system.

“He’s (Le Blanc) an all-around player. He can shoot, dribble, pass and rebound. I’m confident he would be of big help when we take on a very strong team such as Ginebra,” said M. Lhuillier chief bench tactician Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba.

The 6-foot-8 Le Blanc recently signed up with Helios squad of the Slovenia-based European league of NLB-Adriatic Basketball Association (ABA). The 29-year-old American forward is in the country to signify his intent to play in the PBA’s reinforced conference.

The presence of Le Blanc will surely strengthen  M. Lhuillier’s frontline that is anchored mainly on Ron Capati, Marlon Basco, Leo Bat-og, and Danny Aying.

Stephen Padilla, Woodrow Enriquez and Dale Singson make up M. Lhuillier’s explosive backcourt machinery, while the likes of Bruce Dacia, Gerry Cavan, and Jayford Rodriguez are expected to provide offensive help to the Jewelers’ side.

The Gin Kings, on the other hand, will squeeze the most from star players Eric Menk, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, and Ronald Tubid. They will play alongside Michael Holper, Billy Mamaril, Raffy Reavis, Sunday Salvacion, Mark Macapagal, and Macky Escalona.

This is the second time in less than two weeks and fourth overall in 18 months that M. Lhuillier clashed with a PBA team at the Cebu Coliseum. Last February 21, M. Lhuillier put up a gallant stand, albeit for a losing cause against the Talk ‘N Txt Phone Pals, 97-101.

In August 2006, the Jewelers humiliated the Sta. Lucia Realtors, then coached by Alfrancis Chua, 82-69. A month later, they dropped a 91-97 decision to San Miguel Beer in a charity game organized by Cebuano hearthrob Dondon Hontiveros.

Tickets for the M. Lhullier-Ginebra showdown are priced at P30 for the general admission, P100 for upper box, P200 for lower box, and P300 for ringside.