Ginebra to field Rodgers as import for Commissioner’s Cup

MANILA, Philippines – After a disheartening loss to the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, the Barangay Ginebra Kings could be back stronger, and fans have something to be excited about with the official announcement of Leon Rodgers as their import for the PBA Commissioners’ Cup.

Listed at 6’7” (201cm), Rodgers is currently finishing his contract in China and will play his last game on February 16 and will arrive in Manila Feb. 24. On scouting reports, Rodgers is known play the four position for the Jilin Northeast Tigers and is said to be more comfortable in playing the three and sometimes play the five too. He became popular among CBA fans because of his prolific scoring, recording 30 to 40 points a night even against China’s top big men. Upon his entry in the CBA, he was asked to fill in the shoes of Tony Mitchell and currently plays with former PBA import Denzel Bowles.

Prior to his stint in China, Rodgers had a great career in the Dutch Basketball League and was named the DBL Most Valuable Player for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2006. His DBL resume includes being named thrice to the All-DBL Team, a two-time DBL All-Star and the DBL Statistical Player of the year in 2007.

Rodgers will be among the four imports that will come from the Sports Network Management and he will be directly managed by Sheryl Reyes.

Reyes, who has scouted Rodgers years back, believes that his scoring ability and workhorse attitude is a perfect fit for the “never say die” attitude of Ginebra.

“He (Rodgers) had the ‘never say never’ attitude even before he agreed to enter the ‘never say die’ family,” said Reyes.

She admitted that scouting an import for Ginebra is never an easy task because the import will have great expectations, not just from the management, but also from the team’s huge fan base.

Reyes added that Rodgers will be a great addition to the team with his vast experience and high basketball IQ. Also known as a great locker room guy, his winning ways can provide the added motivation to the team and with the that, Rodgers can no doubt, can bring the Gin Kings over the hump and even bring them to the promise land of winning the PBA Commissioners’ Cup.