Who’s the first import to go?

At least three PBA teams are supposedly looking to replace their imports before things turn from bad to worse in the Commissioner’s Cup that started with a bang last Friday. In the first six games, one was settled in overtime and four by four points or less, indicating a high level of parity.

No doubt, the imports are making a difference, one way or the other. The most impressive import so far is Meralco’s Eric Dawson who played four games with the San Antonio Spurs last season. Dawson’s claim to fame is he was the NBA D-League’s Impact Player of the Year after averaging 17.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in 29 games for the Austin Toros in 2011-12. He made an auspicious debut in the Bolts’ 99-92 win over Talk ‘N’ Text last Saturday, hitting 37 points in 37 minutes. Dawson, 28, made his personal linescore look like a taxi meter. He also had 14 boards and four blocked shots. On the line, Dawson was a respectable 9-of-15.

Another import who’s sure to stick is Barako Bull’s Evan Brock whom coaching consultant Rajko Toroman described as an unselfish team player. Brock, 28, isn’t a dominant one-on-one type. He doesn’t mind doing the dirty work – things that don’t end up in the stats sheets, like boxing out, diving for the loose ball, denying the entry pass, sacrificing his body to take a charge and protecting the rim. Even as Brock has no strong post-up move, Toroman said he’s a perfect fit for the Energy Cola. His arms are like tentacles and his length is a huge advantage in blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, deflecting passes and throwing up jumphooks.

Brock holds the record for most free throws by an import, knocking down 11-of-16 in Barako’s 98-88 shocker over Global Port in extension last Sunday. He compiled 25 points, 18 rebounds and only two turnovers in 47 solid minutes. Unlike Global import Justin Williams who suffered cramps in overtime and sat out the final minutes, Brock finished the thriller on the court. Last Friday, Brock had 18 points and 12 rebounds in 41 minutes as the Energy beat San Mig Coffee, 79-75.

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Two other imports who aren’t likely to be sent home are Rain Or Shine’s 7-3 giant Bruno Sundov and Air 21’s Michael Dunigan. Sundov, 33, delivered 30 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes in the Painters’ 83-81 loss to Alaska last Saturday. His stroke from the stripe was nearly impeccable – 8-of-10 free throws. Dwight Howard might consider hiring Sundov as his foul shooting coach.

Sundov’s problem is he’s not used to being doubled. In the NBA or Europe, it wouldn’t be necessary to double Sundov because there are defenders who are just as big. But in the PBA, he’ll draw the double as soon as he establishes position on the low block. Against Alaska, Sundov was effective as the pick-and-roll finisher because of his nifty footwork. But at the post, he wasn’t that unstoppable. Twice, Sundov preferred to take a turnaround fadeaway bank shot instead of powering off a post position.

Alaska coach Luigi Trillo said he adjusted the defense to stack up on the pick-and-roll and it worked. In the Painters’ final play, Sundov got the ball at the low post, defended frontally by Sonny Thoss. Calvin Abueva blocked Sundov’s shot from behind. The ball went loose and Cyrus Baguio got the pass to score the deciding basket in transition at the buzzer.

Despite the loss, Rain Or Shine coach Yeng Guiao should be pleased with Sundov’ effort. The Croatian appeared to tire out in the homestretch, something the Aces worked to happen, but still came through with 40 high-quality minutes. Curiously, Sundov didn’t block a single shot the entire game.

Dunigan polished his hoop skills at Farragut Academy in Chicago, the same high school that produced Kevin Garnett and former PBA import Ronnie Fields. Although he’s only 23, Dunigan has played in leagues all over the world. His stops include Israel, Italy, Ukraine and Australia.

Dunigan led the Express to a 74-70 decision over Barangay Ginebra last Sunday with 26 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and five blocked shots in 47 minutes. He completely outshone Ginbera’s Herbert Hill who collected 17 points, 18 rebounds and six turnovers in 40 minutes. 

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Global coach Junel Baculi said the jury’s still out on Williams, a two-year NBA pro who said his “secret” nickname Junebug was given by former high school teammate and NBA veteran Eddy Curry. In his first appearance last Friday, Williams was a monster out of the starting gate, scoring 12 points and blocking three shots in the opening quarter of the game against Petron. Then, he slowed down, netting only four in the second period and two in the third before his ejection for elbowing June Mar Fajardo. He finished with 18 points, 15 rebounds and no assist in 23 minutes of the Batang Pier’s 94-92 win over Petron. Stamina seemed to be a concern.

Last Sunday, Williams was hounded by Barako’s defense and could cough up only 12 points although he managed to haul down a conference-high 27 rebounds. He had no assist and four turnovers in 49 minutes before trooping to the bench for good late in overtime with cramps. If it’s true that Williams is promised a $100 bonus for every dunk, it was lean pickings that night.

By the way, Williams’ agent is former Purefoods import Byron Irvin, one of 43 NBA first round draft picks to play in the PBA.  Williams said Irvin works with well-known sports agent Dan Fegan and two of his clients are Shawn Marion and Ricky Rubio. “Byron told me all about the Philippines before I flew over,” said Williams. “Byron mentioned that the Philippines is one of the best countries he’s ever visited and played in.”

San Mig Coffee’s Matt Rogers has yet to see action. He sat out the Mixers’ game against Barako last Friday suffering from dehydration and was confined at Cardinal Santos Medical Center for food poisoning. Rogers should be ready to suit up in San Mig Coffee’s game against Petron tomorrow night. The Blaze Boosters’ Renaldo Balkman will be out to stamp his class in his second appearance. He was visibly exasperated when Petron lost to Global last Friday. Balkman is a legitimate NBA first round pick so no doubt, wants to live up to his credentials. After all, Balkman was drafted ahead of Rajon Rondo, Steve Novak and Paul Millsap – all active NBA players.

While nobody’s confirming who’s on the bubble, the import with the least chance of surviving appears to be Hill. He could be the first to go unless Marcus Douthit’s backup at Providence College displays a phenomenal transformation when Ginebra battles Global on Friday.