Fourth but not last

(Fourth of a four-part series)

This is supposed to be the conclusion of a four-part series on the present crop of imports seeing Pinoy hoop action in this year’s Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Reinforced Conference. Yet several squads have continued to play the trial and error game. So far it’s been the Cinderella story for the teams: trying to look for the glass slipper that fits.

As mentioned in the last week, only Sta. Lucia, Talk n Text, FedEx and Barangay Ginebra have so far stuck with their original recruits. Let’s add one more team to that list: Purefoods, albeit not for reasons of contentment.

The TJ Hotdogs are wallowing in the cellar of the standings at 1-5. They are teetering on the brink of elimination. They are on the edge. They are almost history. Old reliable Derrick "The Flight" Brown was supposed to suit up for coach Ryan Gregorio as early as September 25th but never got here. This PBA best import gave Gregorio his first PBA crown as a coach. Understandably, Gregorio was saddened upon learning that Brown was not going to be able to play for the franchise this season as he was concentrating on training for the NBA. Left without a choice, they got Harold "The Show" Arceneaux. As PBA radio commentator Noel Zarate so poignantly put it: "‘The Flight’ was a no show, so ‘The Show’ must go on."

In an interview before the start of this conference, Gregorio said, "Brown was our best bet. But since he couldn’t make it, we have to settle for our next best option." According to him, Arceneax was given the monicker "The Show" because he really lit up the scoreboards during his college days. "He would score 16-18 straight points," Gregorio added, his excitement showing.

Unfortunately, Arcenaux was a no show in their early games. Fans thought maybe he was "coming soon" or "next attraction". But no. Despite his incredible credentials, the Show has proven to be a flop. Early on, observers commented that The Show was a bit slow. Gregorio remedied the problem by putting Arceneaux on a strict diet. Obviously, however, it did not work. The problem is more than just his weight. He’s probably read every paper in the country proclaiming Brown as a savior and him a disaster. I really wonder how morale is in the Purefoods camp. And if it goes on this way, not only Arceneaux but the rest of the team may just have to perform the last full show soon.

Meanwhile, two former NBA champions have invaded the PBA this week and their reputations have definitely preceded them. How can you go wrong with hiring Michael Jordan’s former teammate and Clyde Drexler’s former reliever? Scott Burrell (listed in the NBA annals as 6’7") donned the Red Bull Barako jersey two weeks ago after measuring a shade under 6’5". His predecessor, Ramel Lloyd turned out to be a one-game-wonder. Red Bull management said he was good but they needed a player who would blend with the team and follow coach Yeng Guiao’s system.

Who did they have in mind: former Chicago Bull and NBA 3-point Shoot-out 2nd Runner Up. Burrell played in all 82 games of that 1996-1997 title season for the Bulls and was instrumental in giving star forward Scottie Pippen big breathers during stretches. The former 1st round pick (20th overall) by the Charlotte Hornets in 1993 also saw action for Golden State and New Jersey before finding himself playing in the NBDL and more recently in China with the Shangshi Dongshen franchise. Although he has not presented himself as a scorer as of yet, Red Bull has won two straight games since his arrival.

In their last victory over Coca-Cola who was undefeated at that point, Burrell only chipped in 8 points but came up with 19 rebounds and 11 assists that made most of his teammates shine. And that’s the exact role management and coaching staff has given him: help out in the areas that need polishing. He has an all-around game and he certainly has the experience to adjust to different situations. Will Burrell be the key to a continued turnaround for Barako?

Tim Breaux is one of the biggest names ever to come out of the University of Wyoming. He entered the NBA via the CBA route in 1994 and quickly found himself in winning scheme. What luck joining a team with such names as Hakeem Olajuwon, "The Glide," Robert Horry, Sam Cassell and Rudy Tomjanovich. In his rookie year, he became a champion with the Houston Rockets. The question, however, was does he still have enough in him to help resurrect a struggling Shell Turbochargers unit?

When Sedric Webber went down with a fractured ankle, many believed Shell’s chances of advancing went down with him. Webber was their fill-in-the-blanks guy. He was their gasoline. He was what they needed. Alas, fate stepped in. But as they say: when a door is closed, a window is opened. Through the window came a 6’4" legitimate NBA veteran, Breaux. He had the enormous task of recharging the Turbochargers’ lineup.

Unfortunately, he could not fight jetlag, lack of practice with the team and the brutal physical shackling of Alex Crisano, as they lost in blow- out fashion to Barangay Ginebra in Calape, Bohol. "It felt as if I was still floating," Breaux told Zarate as they were having dinner at the home of Mayor Ernesto Herrera II after the game. "Yes, I still feel major jetlag. I would have wanted practice at least once with the team before playing, but that didn’t happen. I’ll be ready next time, though," he added.

Many say there might not be a next time. He could be another dud. But then, again, guys like Lloyd and Alaska’s ex-reinforcement Chris Carawell lasted three games before being shipped out. Breaux has a championship ring he keeps in a glass container at home. Maybe he should have it sent over and release some of its magical powers because at the rate things are going the Turbochargers are headed for the lottery.

Kwan Johnson and Isaac Fontaine played for the Realtors a few years back. Let’s check out how they’ve helped–or not helped the campaigns of San Miguel Beer and Alaska, respectively, when we finally wrap this all up next week.

This whole imports circle just keeps on going and going.

You may reach this writer at www.jannelleso.com, or through text. For Globe subscribers, key in <JANNELLE> send to 2978.

Dodgers Baseball game in LA this Friday in the Young Star section of The Star.