Import’s kids figure in car mishap in USA: Texters face Kings sans Harvey

Games tomorrow (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

5:15 p.m. – San Mig Coffee vs Air21

7:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines - Talk n Text import Donnell Harvey rushed home Sunday to attend to his three children who figured in a car mishap in Atlanta, leaving the Tropang Texters without a reinforcement as they brace for a crucial match against the Barangay Ginebra Kings on Sunday.

But TnT team manager Aboy Castro yesterday expressed confidence that they can fly in a new reinforcement within the week.

“We have three names in our short list. Hopefully, we can bring in our new import by Thursday or Friday so he can have at least two practices with us before our Ginebra game,” Castro told The STAR.

“Donnell said he’ll keep in touch with us, but it’s hard to talk about the situation. We understand he’s dealing with family emergency,” Castro also said.

Harvey learned of the news a few hours before their road match with Globalport Saturday in Iloilo City, scoring just six points in their 94-84 victory.

After the Iloilo game, the TnT import took the first flight to Atlanta.

“Every weekend, his three children, aged 6, 7 and 10, visit their grandmother 30 minutes out of Atlanta. Last Saturday, their car was rear ended, and all the kids sustained cuts,” said Castro.

“And what a coincidence, we’re to play a Ginebra team that’s on a six-game streak. Vernon Macklin is tough,” Castro added.

The Kings made it six in a row with a 91-90 squeaker over the Meralco Bolts Sunday, clinching a spot in the quarterfinals with a 7-5 win-loss card.

The Texters are at joint fifth with the Bolts and the San Mig Coffee Mixers at 6-6, all practically out of the running for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The Kings, already without top gun Mark Caguioa, will also miss the services of Billy Mamaril, who sustained a fractured hand and will be out for at least six weeks.