Agent offers squad of imports, locals

A prominent basketball agent from the United States, Sam Unera, has formed what he calls "an exciting team of 6-foot-5 and below imports" mixed with Filipino talents, hoping the group will be given a chance by the PBA to play in the Asian Invitational starting on July 20.

"This will also give PBA teams a chance to scout — and probably — tap some of these imports for the next PBA conference," Unera said in a long distance call.

The American players tapped by Unera are Karrem Reed, Mustafa Hoff, Darren Handcock, Jermaine Walker, Quincy Wadley and Brian Taylor.

Reed is a 5-11 former University of Arkansas star who’s considered the best point guard in New York and called "The Best Kept Secret" while Hoff is a 6-5 from Oregon State and a member of the Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs in the US Basketball League.

Handcock, 6-5, is the main man of USBL champion Dodge City Legends, Wadley is 6-4-1/2 and the Dawgs’ leading scorer and Taylor is a 6-footer who plays like a 6-8. Unera said he has a vertical leap of 48 inches.

The 6-4-1/2 Walker is a PBA veteran, having played for the FedEx Express last year.

If there’s a need for a seventh player, Unera said he can add Ronnie Fields, 6-4-1/2 high school teammate of Minnesota slotman Kevin Garnett.

Unera adds that he can complete the team by fielding six local talents who are not on any of the PBA teams’ rosters. "I already have some players in mind, including some who had played in the PBA," explained Unera.

The team will be coached by former NBA star Darryl Dawkins.

"I’m sure this team can add excitement to the Asian Invitational," Unera said. "All the players I’d like to bring over (to Manila) are exciting."