Beermen tap Boatwright anew to replace no-show Patton

MANILA, Philippines -- Minutes after San Miguel Beer's 101-120 loss to Magnolia with an all-Filipino crew in Sunday's PBA Season 50 Commissioner's Cup game, team manager Gee Abanilla said the Beermen are now dropping the no-show Justin Patton and bringing in Bennie Boatwright.

Boatwright, who powered the Beermen to the Season 48 crown, just finished his stint with Korean club Daegu.

“Because of what happened I got in touch right away with Bennie. Meron pa siyang tinatapos na exit interviews but I told him to come over, may understanding na kami," said Abanilla.

"I’ll try to fly him in as soon as possible. Si Patton out na, na-disappoint kami, I thought he was a real professional,” he added. 

According to Abanilla, after their 1120-116 loss to Rain or Shine, Patton reported suffering from a bum stomach and asked time to rest and recover. He promised to be ready for the game against Magnolia but hours before the 5:15 p.m. game, he didn't answer the team’s call. 

“Totally unprofessional, he left us hanging. Wala man lang abiso, 'di kami nakapag-prepare na hindi siya lalaro," said the SMB exec. "He was a nice person before, hindi namin alam ano'ng nangyari sa kanya."