Wiser Freeman to reinforce Kings

MANILA, Philippines -- The Barangay Ginebra Kings liked what they saw from Gabe Freeman in practice upon his arrival in the country Wednesday morning.

The Ginebra coaching staff and players are convinced Freeman is in top shape, contrary to reports that the former two-time PBA Best Import awardee might not be in playing condition because of long idleness.

“He kept on dunking, he kept on running and he energized the locals right away,” said Ginebra top official Robert Non.

“He said he’s been continuously playing the past two years except for some time after jamming his finger. And that’s when we were initially trying to get in touch with him (to take over from Leon Rodgers),” Non also said.

The STAR broke the news that Ginebra was considering to sign up Freeman. Some on-line sports sites goofed in denying the story. 

The amiable Ginebra official said Freeman is fresh from training as he makes another tour of duty in the local pro league, replacing Josh Powell.

The Kings hope to wiggle out of a tight situation with Freeman in tow.

Freeman debuts as a Ginebra import against Rain or Shine at the close of the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup elimination round on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Kings, sharing seventh spot with the Air21 Express at 3-5 at press time, need a decisive win over the Elasto Painters to salvage a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals.

Otherwise, Ginebra will end up the playoffs eighth seed, needing to beat top seed Talk n Text two in a row to make the Final Four.

Freeman will officially be measured in the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City Saturday. It is a crucial measurement as it will determine whether the veteran champion import is also eligible to reinforce the Kings in the Governors Cup where the height ceiling for imports is 6-foot-5.

“Saka na namin pagiisipan yan. We’re focused on what we can salvage in the Commissioner’s Cup,” said Non.

The prolific Mesa Community College product, measured at 6-foot-5 and ¾ the last time, took the league by storm in the 2009 Fiesta Conference, leading San Miguel Beer to the championship.

He emerged Best Import winner in that tourney and then again in the same conference the following year where the Beermen lost to the Alaska Milk Aces in the finals.

A little later, Freeman led the Philippine Patriots to a successful title run in the initial ABL season.

He’s wiser at 28 as he suits up with the Ginebra Kings.