Mammie provides muscle for Powervit

MANILA, Philippines - At 6-foot-7 and with the body of a heavyweight boxer, Charles Mammie fits his role just fine when he plays for the Pilipinas Powervit Aguilas in the Asean Basketball League.

“My job is to do the banging for the team,” said the former University of the East Warrior who was tapped by the Aguilas as one of their two imports in the ABL.

The Aguilas will make their debut tomorrow against the Thailand Mono Vampires in Davao City. On Oct. 31 they play the Malaysia West Port in Kuala Lumpur.

Mammie appeared before the PSA Forum yesterday at Shakey’s Malate, and gave mediamen a hint of what to expect from him in the new ABL season.

“I will focus on rebounding. I will do the odd jobs inside the paint. I’m the garbage man,” said Mammie, who played three years for UE in the UAAP.

He knows exactly what to do.

“I don’t need to score. My main job is to rebound and play defense. I will do the banging inside,” added the 23-year-old native of Sierra Leone.

The Aguilas are also counting on the support of boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, who played with the idea of suiting up for the Aguilas.

But his contract with the PBA, as playing coach of the Mahindra Enforcers (formerly Kia Carnival), has prevented him from donning another jersey.

Powervit team owner Dick Balajadia has tapped two-time PBA Best Import Arizona “AZ” Reid as the other import.

To add spice to the team are Willie Miller, a former MVP in the PBA, along with Sunday Salvacion and Jondan Salvador.

Zaldy Realubit, a former PBA player and Pacquiao’s chess buddy, will serve as head coach.