Aces, Painters, Texters bank on new imports

Games Friday:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

4:15 p.m. – Talk n Text vs NLEX

7 p.m. – Rain or Shine vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine brings back Wayne Chism while Alaska Milk and Talk n Text introduce new imports Damion James and Ivan Johnson, respectively, Friday with hopes of stepping up their respective drives halfway through the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Texters unveil Johnson against the NLEX Road Warriors and import Al Thornton in their 4:15 p.m. matchup then the Elasto Painters and Chism reunite versus the Aces and James in their 7 p.m. faceoff at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

All four teams are out to press their bids entering the crucial phase of the short one-round-robin eliminations where only the Top Eight advance to the playoffs.

Interestingly, Talk n Text opted to change import though playing well with one-time PBA Best Import awardee Richard Howell, winning four of five games.

Obviously, the TnT management and coaching staff are gambling on Johnson for his size, ceiling and experience. The former Cal State San Bernardino stalwart, listed as a 6-foot-8, 255-pound forward, suited up with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA and had tours of duty in South Korea, Puerto Rico and China.

As a Texas Legend in the NBA D-League, he carved a niche in making the All-NBA D-League First Team, All-Defensive Second Team and the All-Star Game in 2011.

Having just snapped out of a three-game slump, NLEX coach Boyet Fernandez is wary of a tough test against the Texters and Johnson.

“We have to be consistent both on defense and offense to have a chance against Talk n Text,” said Fernandez.

Rain or Shine’s and Alaska’s moves to change import didn’t come as a surprise.

The Elasto Painters had long been waiting for Chism’s availability. A long, versatile player, Chism helped the E-Painters to a third-place finish in the Commissioner’s Cup last year.

Meanwhile, the Aces tapped in a player with a glowing reputation to take over from DJ Covington who was among the shortest in the field.

James was a third team All-American while with Texas U in 2010 later selected No. 24 overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Draft.

The Hobbs, New Mexico native later suited up with the New Jersey Nets then with the San Antonio Spurs that won the NBA championship last year.

The E-Painters sport a 3-2 card while the Aces are at 2-2 in setting out for their setto.