Texters, Phoenix 5 tap new imports

MANILA, Philippines - TNT KaTropa and Phoenix Petroleum have enlisted new imports in time for the Texters’ PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut against the Meralco Bolts on Friday and for the Fuel Masters’ second game against the Star Hotshots tomorrow.

Ten-year NBA veteran Louis Amundson, who last played in the big league with the New York Knicks last season, is expected to fly in today from Denver, Colorado.

Meanwhile, Jameel McKay, fresh from a title run with the Perth Wildcats in the Australian league, is already in town and has joined the Fuel Masters in preparation for their game against the Hotshots at 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Eugene Phelps put in monster numbers with 53 points and 21 rebounds to lead Phoenix to a 118-116 double-overtime win over Blackwater at the Cuneta Astrodome Saturday.

But Phelps couldn’t stay longer as he’s got prior commitment to play in Puerto Rico. The veteran PBA import hopped in and played one game with the Fuel Masters coming from the Taipei league.

McKay, however, could well bring in more to the table , being taller than Phelps at 6-foot-9 and younger at 24. Phelps, the Fuel Masters’ import in the Governors Cup, is a shade below 6-5.

The Milwaukee, Wisconsin native made a reputation as a solid two-way player while playing first for Indian Hills CC then with Iowa State.

He was a two-time First Team NJCAA All American with Indian Hills (2012 and 2013) then made the All Big 12 Third Team and bagged the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year with Iowa State in 2015.