Shell gets new import

Saying they’re determined to nail a slot in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals, Shell coach Perry Ronquillo bared they have decided to look for a new import to replace John Morton although the former Cleveland Cavalier was given a guaranteed contract for the whole conference.

Ronquillo said among their prospects are former University of Louisville star James Brewer and NBA veteran James Mostley.

The Shell management gave Morton his walking papers following a 50-86 blowout to San Miguel Beer Wednesday where the Seton Hall alumnus, possibly affected by a viral infection, struggled for only nine points. That was the team’s fifth loss in six outings.

But Ronquillo isn’t putting all the blame on Morton, admitting they’ve been struggling from the start of the season due to manpower shortage. And he said this is a big reason why the team, ninth placer in both the All-Filipino and Commissioner’s Cups, should institute major changes next year.

"Our performance leaves much to be desired. Obviously, we’re paying for the loss of Vic Pablo," said Ronquillo.

Still, Ronquillo is hopeful they can make it past the eliminations this time although there’s no certainty whether main man Benjie Paras can suit up in their last few games.

Paras was all set to get back into action in this conference when he suffered yet another injury that required him to undergo another arthroscopic surgery.

Last Wednesday, Ronquillo lost another key player when Dale Singson sustained a slight miniscal injury.

"We have injury problems but it should not be an excuse for us to play sloppy. That’s why I think our problem is more mental than physical," said Ronquillo.

"However, it’s not yet late. I always want to win and I’m hoping we can improve on our performances in the first two conferences," he added.

Meanwhile, Tanduay Rhum seeks an outright quarterfinals slot as it goes for a fourth straight win versus Pop Cola at the resumption of play at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Sta. Lucia Realty, which was repulsed by Red Bull, 66-69, Wednesday, takes another shot at the Final Eight as it clashes with Purefoods in the other game.