Talk N Text coach Louie Alas is reactivating Williams from the injured list and the young mentor hopes to draw the needed boost from his import as they take a second shot at an outright seat in the Magic Four.
With Todd Bernard temporarily taking Williams’ spot in their last game Friday, the Phone Pals bungled their first crack at the twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters as they suffered a close defeat to the San Miguel Beermen. Williams was placed in the injured list then due to a groin injury sustained in practice the day before.
"He’s not yet in top shape but I’m sure he’ll be of big help as we play Ginebra and their new import in a crucial game," said Alas. "I heard maganda daw ang credentials nito (Wells)."
Wells is bringing along impressive credentials from a splendid stint with the Austin Peay University in the US NCAA. Feared as a do-it-all type of player, Wells led the entire NCAA in scoring with a 31.7 clip in his senior year in the 1996-97 season. He was picked on the second round by Dallas in the 1997 NBA draft and played 39 games for the Mavericks in the 1997-98 season.
Ginebra coach Allan Caidic is hoping Wells lives up to his reputation and helps the Kings succeed in their chase for a slot in the quarterfinals.
The Kings, who have lost their last three games, including the last two without an import, are bunched with the Purefoods Hotdogs and the Alaska Aces at seventh place on similar 4-7 win-loss cards. The Tanduay Rhum Masters are a game behind at 3-7.
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer also presses its bid for the Magic Four, setting its sights on solo third place as it plays Tanduay in the other game.
Though ace forward Dan Seigle is still in the injured list, the Beermen, now tied with the Shell Turbo Chargers at third on identical 6-4 cards, have seemingly regained their old form. They enter the playing court at 5:05 p.m., riding the crest of four straight victories.
But the Rhum Masters will also set out in high spirits, having checked a long skid the last time out with a victory over the Turbo Chargers.