Two-generation imports

Tony Washam Jr. of St. Vincent College, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) school in Pennsylvania, was scheduled to arrive in Manila yesterday to take over the B-Meg import chores from Clif Brown but it’s still not certain if he’ll play in Game 4 of the best-of-five quarterfinal series against Rain Or Shine at the Cuneta Astrodome tonight.

Washam, 28, is the son of Tony Sr. who averaged a whopping 42.8 points in 12 games for Gilbey’s Gin in 1984. If Washam suits up for the Derby Ace Llamados, it will be the first father-and-son import combination ever to see action in the PBA.

The older Washam, 50, led the league in points and minutes played (46.4 a game) as he teamed with the likes of Francis Arnaiz, Robert Jaworski, Romy Mamaril, Terry Saldana and Steve Watson.

Washam – the son – enjoys a gunslinger’s reputation. As a sophomore in 2002-03, he averaged 24.3 points and 8.9 rebounds and the next season, raised his numbers to 28.3 points and 10.4 rebounds. Washam wound up his senior year among the top three scorers in the entire NAIA and a record holder in nearly all the offensive stats on campus.

If Brown is relieved, he will bow out with 31 points and 23 rebounds in B-Meg’s 117-111 overtime loss to the Elasto Painters last Wednesday. He has played in 17 B-Meg games, with five losses, replacing Lorenzo Wade.

There is talk that Rain Or Shine import Rod Nealy, another ex-NAIA star with Houston Baptist, wants out of the PBA to accept an offer in the Korean league. But he’s under contract and it’s not likely coach Caloy Garcia will give him up. Nealy has powered the Elasto Painters to a 5-2 record since displacing overweight Jai Lewis.

Rain Or Shine is just a win away from advancing to the best-of-7 semifinals against San Miguel Beer and Garcia has two chances to clinch in Game 4 or 5.

B-Meg is in a do-or-die situation in Game 4. Kerby Raymundo and Marc Pingris sat out the action in Game 3 – if they continue to ride the bench, it could be curtains for the Llamados tonight.

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Is it true that one of the four coaches in the two quarterfinal series will be offered a hard-to-refuse deal to jump to league newcomer Meralco next season? The attractive package is rumored to include a position as a corporate officer with the privileges of an executive, including job security and retirement. The coach is said to be the only candidate under consideration and will definitely receive an offer after his team ends its playing obligations in the Fiesta Conference.

Is it true that Sta. Lucia Realty coach Boyet Fernandez has been hired as UP coaching consultant in the UAAP? He will work closely with the Maroons head coach Aboy Castro. The relationship is similar to the ties that bind Talk ‘N’ Text coach Chot Reyes and coaching consultant Norman Black.

It is true that 6-9 Marlou (The Skyscraper) Aquino has agreed to a one-conference contract to play for Meralco? Aquino’s contract with Sta. Lucia has expired and Meralco offered a ahort-term deal to tide him over. It’s not true that Aquino was signed because he looks like a Meralco post.

Is it true that a popular pawnshop will join the PBA next season as an expansion club? That means it will not take over any existing franchise. Earlier, it was confirmed that Meralco will buy the Sta. Lucia franchise. As an expansion club, the pawnshop could participate in choosing unprotected players from other teams in a dispersal draft.

Is it true that Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson is agreeable to speak in a leadership forum in Manila sometime next month? The hitch is his fee falls within the range of $350,000 to $400,000 – for one day. Jackson is open to squeeze in a clinic for kids during his visit.

Is it true that Smart Gilas coach Rajko Toroman’s PBA wish list for the national team includes Ranidel de Ocampo, James Yap and Ryan Reyes? Kelly Williams is also in Toroman’s list but the daily grind of a FIBA competition may sap the energy of the former Sta. Lucia forward who is recovering from a blood disorder and drain him. De Ocampo is Williams’ chief rival for the three or four spot.

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In Game 3 last Wednesday, Ginebra coach Joseph Uichico sent in seven players who logged in at least 21 minutes. Alaska, on the other hand, checked in six. The Kings’ 50-39 edge in rebounding was the key to victory.

“Jong didn’t use Willie (Miller) and Mark (Caguioa) much in Game 3 so I expect them to play big minutes in Game 4,” said Cone. “J. C. Intal was unstoppable in Game 3 with 20 points and it’s good to see his confidence back.”

Ginebra’s 91-87 win reduced Alaska’s series advantage to 2-1. What would’ve spoiled the show for Ginebra was import Chris Daniels’ seeming lack of focus. He loses ball possessions through swipes from his blind side, has limited mobility and plays with little infectious intensity. If there’s an import who has outlived his usefulness in the PBA, it’s Daniels (Chris, not Shawn).

Miller, a two-time MVP, played in only four minutes and collected four points, two rebounds and three turnovers. Caguioa also played sparingly, tallying four points in nine minutes. Cone said since they’re well-rested, Miller and Caguioa will likely play a major role in Game 4.

“We’ll be ready for them,” said Cone.

Uichico used Ginebra’s patented three-guard lineup early in the game then went big after Alaska began to capitalize on its size advantage off the boards. Uichico refused to be under the gun in a mismatch, opting to tap either Sunday Salvacion or Intal to cover the bigs who played No. 3 for Alaska. Another adjustment was playing the zone nearly the entire second period where the Aces were held to just 15 points.