Import-less Kings compete in Brunei Cup

Barangay Ginebra has decided to play without an import in its coming 2006 Brunei Sultan Cup stint, using the tournament as an initial test for its newly souped-up roster.

The Kings are fielding in Eric Menk, Mark Caguioa, Rommel Adducul, Andy Seigle, Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis, Sunday Salvacion, Mark Macapagal, veteran free agents Allan Salangsang and Egay Echavez and rookie free agent Christian Coronel from San Sebastian.

The team is leaving Monday for the Brunei joust together with the San Miguel-RP team which sets out for back-to-back championships.

The Kings and the Nationals are up against Darwin-Australia, the Jordan All-Star squad and club teams from Korea and Japan.

"We’re playing with an all-Filipino lineup so we can better gauge where or what aspect of the game we still need to build up on," said Ginebra team manager Allan Caidic.

Caidic stressed they’re yet to finalize their lineup for the coming 2006-07 PBA season despite the arrival of Mamaril and Reavis.

"We’re still studying our options. There are trade offers for Rommel Adducul but we’re not giving it serious thoughts. We would probably get clearer picture after the draft," said coach Jong Uichico.

At the moment, Ginebra hopes to toughen up at guard spots with Rodney Santos and Jayjay Helterbrand still in the injured list together with forward Mike Holper. — Nelson Beltran