Air21 takes calculated risk

MANILA, Philippines - Air21 and Meralco didn’t make it to the playoffs of the just-concluded PBA Philippine Cup but they’re back in contention in the Commissioner’s Cup with the benefit of recruiting an import up to 6-11, two inches more than the other eight reinforcements.

In the first game of today’s twinbill at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the Express and the Bolts face off to reach win No. 3. Air21 and Meralco own identical 2-2 records. Last conference, Air21 finished 10th with a 3-11 mark and Meralco ninth with a 5-10 slate.

Both teams are determined to make headway in the Commissioner’s Cup. Meralco’s import is 6-10 1/4 Brian Butch who’s averaging a sizzling 28.5 points and 20.5 rebounds. Despite Butch’s monster numbers, coach Ryan Gregorio has three-year NBA veteran Darnell Jackson of Kansas University in town on standby. In case Butch gets injured or for whatever reason, Jackson will be ready to step in. Under PBA rules, a team may make an import switch at any time during the conference, even in the clinching Game 5 of the finals.

At the moment, there are no plans to replace Butch as it’s difficult to argue against his numbers. Jackson isn’t practicing with the Bolts so he’s just around cooling his heels. “The focus is on Brian playing with us,” confirmed a team source. The word is the moment Jackson is released by Meralco, he’ll be signed up by another PBA team.

As for Air21, coach Franz Pumaren bit the bullet early and sent original import Herve Lamizana packing last Friday. Wesley Witherspoon arrived in his place from Atlanta the night before. Pumaren said Witherspoon will suit up against Meralco. It’s a calculated risk as Witherspoon is untested but comes highly recommended by former Toronto Raptors director of scouting and once PBA coaching consultant Jim Kelly.

“We need somebody who can give us additional points and compete with the other imports,” said Pumaren. “Aside from his scoring, Wesley will give us a different dimension because of his versatility.” Lamizana was far from consistent in his four games with the Express. He averaged 17 points in two losses and 23 in two wins. His output was described by a team official as “irregular.” The scuttlebutt was in Air21’s 88-78 loss to Alaska last Sunday, Pumaren blew his top when Lamizana didn’t follow instructions and took matters into his own hands in the last few minutes. “Even if Wesley is untested, if we can get balanced scoring from our locals, we’ll be a much better team,” said an Express official.

Witherspoon, 24, seems to be a perfect fit for Air21 because he complements Asi Taulava. The 6-9 former University of Memphis mainstay played every position except center in four years with the Tigers varsity and even logged time as a point guard. He started in 45 of 121 collegiate games, averaging 8.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 21 minutes throughout his career. Witherspoon shot 38.7% from beyond the arc, 46.7% from the field and 72.3% from the line. One of four children, his two brothers also played for NCAA Division I schools, William at Air Force and Wynton at George Washington University. Witherspoon gained a reputation as a utility guy who could guard four spots on the floor, play above the rim and contribute at the wing or the point.

Witherspoon played a year at Memphis with Alaska import Robert Dozier under coach John Calipari but missed teaming with Derrick Rose who jumped to the NBA that season. He was touted as a “triple-double type of player” by Memphis coach Josh Pastner for his size, explosiveness and versatility.

As a Memphis sophomore, Witherspoon averaged 12.5 points and shot 43% from three-point range. He knocked down the game winner at the buzzer in Memphis’ 73-71 win over St. John’s in the National Invitation Tournament and scored 29 points in a victory over the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He’s known to be more comfortable in the perimeter but because of his flexibility, easily adjusts to situations depending on the necessity. Witherspoon’s ability to play multiple positions is his biggest asset.

In the NBA 2012-13 preseason, Witherspoon saw action with the San Antonio Spurs. Subbing for Kawhi Leonard, he started at small forward and scored 17 points on 6-of-9 field goals as the Spurs beat Houston, 116-107. Despite the strong showing, Witherspoon never made it to the Spurs lineup in the regular season. In the NBA D-League, Witherspoon didn’t compile glaring stats as he averaged 4.7 points with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and the Erie Bay Hawks.

Witherspoon is coming off a stint with Hermine Nantes Atlantique in the French league where he averaged 9.6 points, 3.4 rebounds and 22.6 minutes in 16 outings. He hit 44.6% from the field, 31.6% from three-point distance and 70.4% from the stripe. Witherspoon was never a huge scorer in college or the pros but in the PBA, he may be tasked to do a little bit more than usual. He’s more of a complementary player than a go-to guy and if that works in Pumaren’s system, he’ll fit in. The hitch is the period of adjustment is limited because it’s a short conference with every team playing only nine games in the eliminations after which the last two placers are struck out. Air21 and Meralco won’t want to miss the playoffs for the second straight conference.