MANILA, Philippines - B-MEG Derby Ace is now in a quandary on whether to pursue a plan of another import change after winning its last three games to boost its bid for an outright semifinal entry in the PBA Fiesta Conference.
Cliff Brown got an extended tenure as Derby Ace import as he led the Llamados to successive wins over the Sta. Lucia Realtors, the San Miguel Beermen and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
Derby Ace, at 10-5, and San Miguel, at 11-4, are now in a tight race for the second outright semis berth in the season-ending reinforced tourney.
Talk n Text grabbed the first semis seat after nailing a 14th win in drubbing San Miguel, 85-82, in their road game in Victorias, Negros Occidental Saturday.
“It’s hard to drop Brown now since we have won three in a row and are actually 7-3 with him around,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio.
“Brown gave a good account of himself in our game against Rain or Shine. He scored 18 points, grabbed 23 rebounds and did a masterful job limiting Jai Lewis to a conference low three points,” Gregorio added.
Earlier, the team made no secret that they’re in search of a new import, believing they couldn’t go far with Brown.
Team manager Rene Pardo said he has some “doubts on whether or not he could carry us and play big in the playoffs, but there would be no problem as long as the team keeps on winning.”
With their streak, Brown is likely to be evaluated on a game-per-game basis.
“I liken his situation to the situation of Shawn Daniels of Talk n Text. Both of them are not explosive scorers, limited offensively, but know how to fit in and does whatever it takes to make the team win,” said Gregorio.
A welcome development at Derby Ace is the continued progress of Kerby Raymundo on his rehab.
“He continues to work on his injury and is upbeat about joining the team in two to three weeks time. Hopefully, he will be ready to play in the playoffs or by some stroke of miracle even before the playoffs,” said Gregorio.
The Derby Ace mentor said they need Raymundo if they’re to complete a double-championship in the season.