Former 'Rain' import suits up for Beermen

MANILA, Philippines - After a heartbreaking 63-66 setback to Saigon Heat, second-running San Miguel Beermen decided to change their import, tapping Williard Vincent “Duke” Crews Jr. vice Dalron Johnson for the continuation of their campaign in the third AirAsia ASEAN Basketball League.

“SMB has signed Duke Crews to replace Dalron Johnson,” SMC sports consultant Noli Eala announced yesterday. “We wish to thank DJ Johnson for his contributions to the team and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Johnson had played for SMB since the start of their ABL bid this year, norming 18.43 points, 9.71 rebounds,1.43 blocks in 14 outings. In the Beermen’s meltdown at home against the Heat, however, he scored only two points in the fourth quarter in a 17-point, nine-rebound effort.

Crews reinforced the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in their failed bid in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. He had 25 points and 22 rebounds in the Painters’ 90-102 loss to Talk n Text that ousted them from the playoffs last Saturday.