Scott to revive Beermen?

MANILA, Philippines — With June Mar Fajardo sidelined for four to six weeks to recover from throat surgery, San Miguel Beer has brought in new import Devon Scott to break out of a 1-2 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Scott, 28, arrived in Manila from Los Angeles early yesterday morning, fresh from averaging 16 points for Fuerza Regia Monterrey against Mineros in a seven-game quarterfinal playoff series in the Mexican league.

Scott fired 27 points on 8-of-9 field goals and 11-of-12 free throws in 33 minutes in a losing Game 7 effort in Monterrey’s 102-93 setback to Mineros last Oct. 7. He played three seasons with the University of Dayton varsity in D-1 and one with Philander Smith College in the NAIA then saw action in Canada, Chile, New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Korea, Italy and Dominican Republic before landing in Mexico. Scott was named Import of the Year in Brazil in 2020 and Italy’s Serie A2 Center of the Year last campaign.

San Miguel recruited NBA veteran Thomas Robinson for the second conference but he was ruled out with a back injury after staying only two weeks in town. Diamond Stone came in the day before the Beermen’s conference opener against Blackwater and with little time to acclimatize, scored 20 points in a 109-106 defeat to the Bossing. Stone bounced back to erupt for 42 points in a 113-105 win over Rain or Shine but last Sunday, delivered only 11 points on 5-of-18 from the floor and 1-of-3 free throws as San Miguel bowed to Bay Area, 113-87. Stone was 0-of-7 from beyond the arc against the Dragons.

Fajardo’s injury has prompted a realignment of troops in San Miguel’s frontline. With Fajardo out, Austria said the import has to play a more dominant inside role. Since Stone is more of a perimeter shooter, Scott will be tested as a rim protector, banger and power player. The Beermen are still without Terrence Romeo, recovering from a back issue, and Chris Ross is playing limited minutes.