Beermen enlist former Cleveland Cav as import sub

MANILA, Philippines —With injured Dez Wells showing little signs of recovery, San Miguel decided to bring in NBA veteran John Holland as the Beermen pursue chase of the final jewel to a possible grand slam.

“Yes (Holland will be San Miguel’s new import),” San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla confirmed to The STAR yesterday.

SMB coach Leo Austria said Holland, a former Cleveland Cavalier mainstay, is scheduled to arrive today.

“We’re hoping to have his paperwork in order in time for Saturday’s game,” Austria said in a separate interview. 

The fourth-running Beermen, who are vying for Top 4 and twice-to-beat bonus in in the quarterfinals, are slated to play Rain or Shine in an important Petron Saturday Special road game in Lapu-lapu City.

“Wells told us he can’t play on Saturday so we got a backup (replacement). We can’t afford to play without an import for the second game,” said Austria.

Without Wells, June Mar Fajaro took charge and posted 30 points and 13 rebounds as SMB scored a grindout 99-96 victory over Blackwater to snap a two-game slide and climb to solo fourth Wednesday.