Purefoods enlists former import in duel versus Coke

Purefoods, still hopeful to make it to the next round, has enlisted a former rival import James Head as it seeks to overcome Coca-Cola’s twice-to-beat advantage in their matchup in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference wildcard plays.

Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio expects Head to arrive this morning at the latest, hoping the former Alaska Milk import pumps back life on the Hotdogs’ bid in the PBA transition tourney.

Head and the Hotdogs must beat the Tigers in their 4:10 p.m. tiff tomorrow at the Araneta Coliseum to force a knockout game for a slot in the quarterfinals that will already feature two foreign guest squads–the University of British Columbia from Canada and either a collegiate selection from the United States or a club team from Italy.

"It’s never over till it’s over," said Purefoods board representative Rene Pardo.

"Walang ganang maglaro ang mga locals kay (Joe) Zaletel, kaya sumugal na kami dito kay Head," said Gregorio on his part.

Actually, Purefoods first eyed the services of former Shell import John Best. The former PBA Best Import awardee, however, couldn’t fly immediately since he’s still tied up with another playing commitment in Italy.

Thus, the team settled with Head who has just completed a stint with the Westchester Wildfire in the USBL. The former Eastern Michigan University standout also had recent stints with the Great Lakes Storm and Sioux Falls Skyforce in the CBA after attending the Indiana Pacers camp before the 2003-2004 NBA campaign. He made it to the CBA All-Star Game last year.

"Maganda na rin siguro si Head because we’re already familiar with his game dahil kalaban namin siya noong 2002," said Gregorio.

Back in the 2002 Governors Cup, Head teamed up with Ron Riley at Alaska versus Derrick Brown and Kelvin Price of Purefoods. The two teams figured in a classic finals showdown which the Hotdogs won in a deciding Game Seven.

Head then averaged 20.5 points and 9.4 rebounds — both No. 1 at Alaska and No. 11 in the tournament. He also normed 2.6 assists and 1.5 steals a game.

Watching the Alaska-Coke playoff Wednesday, Gregorio flashed sheepish grin after the contest.

"Mas maganda sigurong Coke ang kalaban namin. Baka mas maka-match up kami sa kanila," said Gregorio.