Tigers tap Swedish league vet

MANILA, Philippines - The struggling Coca-Cola Tigers enlisted another import in John Nathan Williamson, hoping to pump life into their sagging bid in the PBA Fiesta Conference.

Cousin of Milwaukee Bucks star Michael Redd, Williamson, a product of Cincinnati State, arrived yesterday morning and immediately made good impression in practice.

Williamson, fresh from a stint in the Swedish league, is only 23 years old and a shade below 6-foot-6.

Taking over from Rashad Bell, Williamson debuts in the local pro league on Sunday against the Ginebra Kings.

“I think this guy is what we really need. We need a young import because our team is old. Hopefully, he can give us the energy,” said Coca-Cola coach Bo Perasol.

The Coke mentor, at the same time, said no one in his team is indispensable in reaction to reports that they’re exploring a trade deal involving Asi Taulava.

“If your team is losing, you’ll really look for changes. I’m open to my players. I’m telling that to them,” said Perasol.

“But there’s nothing concrete. It’s all exploratory. Nobody’s indispensable, even myself,” Perasol added.

As a senior in the 2006-07 season, Williamson led UC in rebounds (7.3) and was the team’s second-leading scorer (13.5). He finished third in the Big East in offensive rebounding (3.3) and ninth overall. He scored in double figures in 23-of-30 games, including the final nine games of the year, and had five double-doubles.