Sta. Lucia new import injured; Brown stays

Sta. Lucia import Raheim Brown gained another chance to prove his worth as his supposed replacement Kevin Freeman suffered a fractured left hand on the eve of his departure for Manila Friday.

With Freeman out, Brown remains with the Realtors as they play the Red Bull Barako Thunder Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Brown, a product of Florida Atlantic with stints in Italy and Argentina, has been struggling in the local pro league. The Realtors have gone 1-3 (win-loss) in the Gran Matador Fiesta Cup with Brown as their import.

"He’s been properly informed that his team is looking for a replacement. But now, he’s got a chance to redeem himself," said Mike Gonzalez, Brown’s agent-adviser.

Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua said he’s forced to find a new import as Brown is hurting with an injury. "Hindi makalaro nang husto. Actually, first game pa lang niya against Alaska, may iniinda na," Chua told The STAR.

Sta. Lucia was willing to sacrifice ceiling in opting to get Freeman who is only 6-foot-5 and more of an outside player. Chua was confident they could still match up with the other teams with Marlou Aquino doing a good job lately.

Freeman, a product of University of Connecticut, had a decent showing with the Tanduay Rhum Masters in the 2001 Commissioner’s Cup. The versatile forward played well enough to latch on to the Tanduay job during the tournament.