MANILA, Philippines - B-Meg coach Jorge Gallent liked what he saw in Darnell Hinson in practice Monday, making him optimistic of their chance against Talk n Text in their Dubai faceoff tomorrow.
“I was impressed. He’s a point guard who can also play two (off guard). He’s certainly much better than Stefhon Hannah,” said Gallent of their new import who flew with them to Dubai yesterday.
“He’s stocky so even when bumped, he can still go to the basket unlike Hannah,” added Gallent of Hinson, a Mike Tyson-look-alike officially measured at six-foot 5/16.
Hinson, fresh from the Puerto Rican league, arrived in Manila Sunday night and got the nod of the B-Meg coaching staff in practice Monday at The Arena in San Juan.
The Llamados are convinced they have better chances with Hinson, a Northeastern State U product who has a rich experience playing overseas games.
Hinson knows Talk n Text’s the game of Maurice Baker since they’ve met in a tournament in Puerto Rico.
Gallent said they have to neutralize Talk n Text’s backcourt if they’re to stop the Tropang Texters in their Dubai game set at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Al Shabab Sports Club.
The Texters also play the Ginebra Kings in the same venue Friday.
“Guys like Jason Castro and Ryan Reyes anchor Talk n Text’s game. They do a lot of things for their team,” said Gallent.
Jimmy Alapag could also pose a problem for B-MEGA with the peppery Fil-Am guard promising he’ll be ready to play long minutes in Dubai. He returned into action, playing some minutes versus Powerade in a road game in Digos, Davao del Sur Saturday.
For B-Meg, Fil-Am forward Rafi Reavis may return to play in Dubai. Reavis suited up but didn’t play versus Meralco Sunday.
The grand slam-seeking Texters have gone 3-0 in the season-ending tourney, topping the Alaska Milk Aces, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Powerade Tigers.
The Llamados carry an even 2-2 win-loss card heading to Dubai, winning over Powerade and Meralco and yielding to Rain or Shine and Alaska.
B-Meg is in a four-way logjam at fourth place with Petron, Alaska and Meralco.