MANILA, Philippines - Sa pagbabalik ng bigating si Jai Lewis, kumpiyansa ang Rain Or Shine sa kanilang magiging kampanya para sa darating na 2009-2010 PBA Fiesta Conference.
Ito ang sinabi ni Fil-American forward Mike Hrabak, naging susi ng Elasto Painters sa pagpasok sa quarterfinal round ng nakaraang PBA Philippine Cup na pinagahrian ng Purefoods tender Juicy Giants kontra Alaska Aces.
Pinuwersa ng Rain Or Shine ang Purefoods sa Game Five sa kanilang best-of-five quarterfinals series bago natalo, 85-95.
“I’m pretty sure that we could improve on our performance in the last Fiesta Conference,” wika ng 6-foot-6 na si Hrabak. “Jai Lewis will still be there for us so I guess that will be our advantage over other teams that have new imports.”
Ang 6’5 na si Lewis, naging kakampi ni Gabe Norwood sa George Mason University, ay nanggaling sa Japanese League.
“He will draw a lot of attention that will give enough opportunity for our shooters,” ani Hrabak sa presensya ng malapad na si Lewis. “I’m very excited for our team for this coming conference.”
Ang 275-pounder na si Lewis ay naging undrafted free agent ng New York Giants sa 2006 National Football League (NFL) Draft.
Sinabi naman ni Giants’ mentor Ryan Gregorio na si Lewis ang magiging ‘yardstick’ sa hanay ng mga reinforcements.
“In my opinion, I truly believe the yardstick of imports in the Fiesta Conference is Jai Lewis Or Rain Or Shine,” ani Gregorio. “Lewis can provide the team with his inside presence and can also shoot from the perimeter.”
Kaya naman gusto ring makakuha ang Purefoods ng kagaya ni Lewis.
“Right now, I don’t have anybody to match well with him so we are on the lookout for a reinforcement who is a solid back to the basket player who can also step out and hit the perimeter and provide the team with offense especially when the locals are not up to it,” ani Gregorio.
Idedepensa ng San Miguel ang kanilang korona sa muling pagkuha kay Gabe Freeman, tinanghal na Best Import. (RC)