Chua: Freeman to replace Powell as Ginebra import

MANILA, Philippines -- Former PBA Best Import Gabe Freeman is set to return to the Philippines to replace Josh Powell as Barangay Ginebra’s reinforcement.

Powell orphaned the Kings following a call-up in the NBA. The former Los Angeles Lakers big man got an offer from the playoff-bound Houston Rockets as he played sparingly in his second game with the Kings on Sunday.

"It's (Gabe) Freeman," Brgy. Ginebra team manager Alfrancis Chua told Philstar.com on Monday.

The 6-6 athletic import will arrive on Wednesday and will have four days to acclimatize himself with the Kings' play. Ginebra will play its last elimination game on Easter Sunday against Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Freeman was named best import during the 2009 PBA Fiesta Conference while leading the San Miguel Beermen to the title. He will be the Kings' third import this conference after the misfiring Leon Rodgers and Powell.