B-Meg eyes Spears; Air21 gets Libyan

MANILA, Philippines - Shamari Spears arrives in the country today and, unless he fails the height test, will likely be B-MEG Derby Ace’s import in its debut in the PBA Commissioners Cup versus Rain or Shine at the Cuneta Astrodome Wednesday.

Spears, a former Charlotte U star, is being eyed to take over from Rob Brown.

Derby Ace’s concern is his height since he’s listed as a 6-foot-6 player back home. The height limit for imports in the Commissioners Cup is pegged at six feet and four inches.

Air21’s Alpha Bangura is another import set to arrive this morning.

Bangura, a Sierra Leone-Libyan national player who played college ball for Monmouth and St. John’s in the United States, is taking over from Jajuan Smith who reportedly flunked a drug test.

Air21 team manager Allan Gregorio spotted Bangura playing for a Lebanese club team in one tournament participated in by Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas. Gregorio sits as assistant coach in the Gilas team bench.

The Express open their own campaign in the Commissioners Cup versus the San Miguel Beermen Friday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

The Beermen themselves are apparently not happy with their import recruit in Ira Brown.

Scooter McFadgon, who played for Barako Bull last season, is offering his services to any possible taker.

Another possible alternative is Cameroonian Chris Kuete who has just helped the Chang Thailand Slammers win the 2010-11 ABL crown.

McFadgon knocked at the Derby Ace door but the team management opted to take a look at Spears instead.

Spears used to be the Charlotte 49ers’ main guy, averaging 17 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.6 assists and 47.2 shooting percentage in his final collegiate season.

Spears, from Salisbury, North Carolina, transferred to the 49ers from Boston College two seasons ago. He averaged 16 points per game in the 2009-10 campaign and was named to the all-Atlantic 10 third team.

Spears, however, has a reputation as volatile and emotional.

He was dismissed at the Charlotte 49ers team only last December after a run-in with first-year coach Alan Major.

At Boston College, Spears was also suspended for playing in an unsanctioned summer league game.