MANILA, Philippines - Despite back-to-back solid performances by Josh Boone, San Miguel Beer still decided to drop him for new import Kevin Jones, who will suit up for the Beermen against the Talk n Text Tropang Texters on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“The coaching staff has decided to sign and use Kevin Jones in place of Josh Boone,†San Miguel Beer team manager Gee Abanilla told The STAR.
“We really appreciate the professionalism which Josh has exemplified to high degree. We wish him all the best in his career,†Abanilla added.
Abanilla said he and the coaching staff are convinced both imports are good, but they decided to go with Jones, a former Consensus Second Team All-American who played with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2012-13 NBA season.
“The coaches feel Jones is more fitted with the team. The coaches also believe he can contribute more on defense, scoring and rebounding,†Abanilla said.
Back-to-back monster games by Boone didn’t dissuade coach Todd Purves and his staff from serving the four-year NBA veteran the pink slip.
“The coaches have decided. They didn’t spend much time to decide it’s Jones,†said Abanilla.
On Sunday, Boone gave San Miguel a matter to ponder on as he put up another superb job to lead the Beermen to a 2-0 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With Jones already in the country, Boone produced 32 points and 21 rebounds as the Beermen made it two in a row with a 112-96 whipping of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Last Friday, Boone came through with 30 rebounds and 15 markers as the team celebrated their return to the fabled San Miguel Beer uniform with a 94-76 thrashing of the Meralco Bolts.
Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Chito Salud approved the Alaska Milk-Air21 trade deal sending Vic Manuel to the Aces camp in exchange for Aldrech Ramos.