Determined to salvage a slot in the quarterfinals despite a fumbling start, the Hotdogs seek to spring back to life while parading a new import in Warren Rosegreen against the Express in their 7 p.m. tiff at the Caruncho Gym in Pasig.
"It’s not too late but we’ll take it one game at a time. We’re setting our sights on this game," said Gregorio.
Gregorio is hopeful Rosegreen is the import they’re looking for. He said: "I do think he’s the right import for us. He’s just like Derrick Brown in terms of energy and enthusiasm. He’ll boost the morale of the boys."
The interim Purefoods mentor also believes Rosegreen and Chris Morris will complement each other well because the former is basically an inside player while the latter is more of a shooter.
The question is whether Rosegreen can hold his ground against taller rivals. The former player of coach Bill Bayno at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas was measured standing only 6-foot-2 1/2 at the PBA office yesterday.
But Rosegreen impressed Gregorio and his teammates after four practice games. "He plays above the rim. He’s a leaper," said Gregorio.
According to the usbasket website, Rosegreen led the Runnin Rebels in rebounding with 9.5 a game as a junior in the 1995-96 season. He pulled down 21 rebounds in a game against Fresno State in his senior year.
Before being drafted by the Silver Bandits of the IBL in 1999, Rosegreen played in South Korea, averaging 20 points and 13 rebounds a game for the Nasan Flamens. He emerged Most Valuable Player and Slam Dunk champion in the Korean League All-Star Game that season.
Now, Rosegreen has to live up to his billing as a reliable player or the Hotdogs may not get out of the rut it is in.
Morris had a decent debut for Purefoods versus Talk N Text last July 14. He made 30 points and 10 rebounds but that performance was not enough to stop the Hotdogs’ skid. The Phone Pals routed the Hotdogs, 109-92.
Gregorio expects Morris to play better tonight because he’s in better shape now.
The Hotdogs lost their last three games to the Alaska Aces, the San Miguel Beermen and the Phone Pals. The lone team beaten by the Governors Cup titlists is Barangay Ginebra.
Gregorio and his Hotdogs will try to arrest their three-game skid against a FedEx team coming off a morale-boosting win over RP Selecta.
The Express are currently at eighth place with a 2-3 card, just half-game behind the San Miguel Beermen, the Shell Turbochargers and the Alaska Aces, who are tied with similar 3-3 marks.