Tigers sign up Francisco; import sacked

Versatile forward Gerard Francisco, left unsigned by Sta. Lucia Realty before the start of the current PBA campaign due to salary cap constraint, has found a new team in Coca-Cola.

Languishing in the cellar heading into the final stretch of the Gran Matador PBA Fiesta Cup classification round, Coca-Cola enlisted Francisco yesterday but relegated Edwin Bacani to the reserve list.

Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Noli Eala suspended Purefoods import Lorenzo Coleman for a game for two flagrant fouls he incurred in their last game against Red Bull Barako. Coleman serves his suspension versus

FedEx in a road game at the CEU Centrodome in Malolos, Bulacan tomorrow.

Francisco, a former national youth player who spent his first six years in the pro league with the Realtors, could be the answer to the Tigers need at this stage with his versatility and ability to make an impact in all aspects of the game.

The 6-foot-3 UST alumnus debuts with the Tigers versus the Barakos tomorrow, also at the CEU Centrodome.

Francisco, 27, is likely to play a key role with Coca-Cola with John Arigo a doubtful starter after spraining his left ankle in their last game against San Miguel Sunday.

League-leader Talk n Text tackles San Miguel at resumption of action today at the Araneta Coliseum.