Darius Rice, the 6-foot-10 former University of Miami standout tipped to be the yardstick among imports, finally makes his debut with Purefoods Tender Juicy against Magnolia in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.
Reigning champion Alaska Milk and Philippine Cup titlist Sta. Lucia Realty clash in the other game both unveiling returning import like Magnolia.
Rice will be up against former Shell reinforcement Jameel Watkins while another ex-Shell import Wesley Wilson takes on former Talk n Text recruit Randy Holcomb.
Wilson, a 6-foot-11 behemoth out of Georgetown U, will strut his stuff with the Realtors chasing a double-championship in the season. He averaged 28.6 points and 13.9 rebounds in 10 games with Shell in the 2005 Fiesta Cup.
Holcomb, who is two inches shorter, played for Talk n Text in 2004, averaging 25.5 points, 13.5 rebounds and 3.0 assists in six games.
The Giants went a game short of winning the All-Filipino crown but are excited with the prospect of going all the way to win the Fiesta Cup with Rice on their side.
“He’s very impressive. We’re happy with what we’ve seen although we know the ultimate test is playing actual game,” said Gregorio.