Imports under scrutiny anew

They’ve been scouted for sure, and the question now is whether they can continue to dish out big games and put in huge numbers as Darlon Johnson, Antonio Smith, Anthony Miller and Wesley Wilson play anew in the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Conference at the Astrodome today.

All four new imports were impressive in their debuts and are raring to further prove they belong in the league as they mix it up in the tourney’s first twinbill offering in the Pasay City venue.

The Johnson-reinforced Red Bull Barako squad tangles with the Miller-led FedEx team at 4:45 p.m. then Smith and his Purefoods teammates clash with Wilson and the Shell Turbochargers at 7:35 p.m.

The Barangay Ginebra Kings and the Alaska Aces, meanwhile, depart for Tacloban City where they meet in the tourney’s first provincial game at 6:15 p.m. tomorrow.

The Thunder and the Hotdogs whipped their respective rivals Sunday and seek a share of early lead with the San Miguel Beermen versus the Express and the Turbochargers, respectively, today.

Johnson, a product of University of Nevada in Las Vegas (UNLV), sizzled with 25 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and three steals as Red Bull Barako repulsed the grandslam-seeking Barangay Ginebra team, 93-86.

Smith, meanwhile, shone with 23 rebounds and 22 points as Purefoods scored a 92-90 decision over FedEx.

Wilson and Miller also had monstrous numbers but their teams suffered final-half meltdown and lost their opening games in the tourney.

Wilson made 39 points–the most by any player in the tourney thus far– but Shell bowed to Talk n Text, 88-97, in their Jakarta tiff Sunday.

Miller, an eight-year veteran, actually showed up Smith in the early goings of their duel Sunday but tapered off in the final half as the Express blew away a 19-point deficit in a sorry loss to the Hotdogs.

A former Los Angeles Laker, Miller debuted in the local pro league with 23 rebounds, 20 points, three blocks, two steals and the same number of rebounds.

In town for a week now, Smith is likely to play even better today. He showed class and style Sunday although having just one practice session with the Hotdogs prior to their debut versus the Express. — Nelson Beltran