Beermen reload

MANILA, Philippines — Since ruling the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup with Bennie Boatwright in February 2024, the Beermen have struggled in the next three tournaments with imports.

As they seek to put an end to this misery in import-flavored tournaments in the Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the Beermen tapped George King, the explosive import who once scored 64 with Blackwater.

Problems in reinforcements doomed their bid in the Commissioner’s Cup. It started with Marcus Lee then with Justin Patton who later went AWOL, forcing the squad to play all-Filipino one time, before Boatwright returned – too late, it seemed.

Now coach Leo Austria and his troops hope King would fill that missing piece and provide a steady anchor from start to finish.

“George has been settling in well, and we’re happy with how he’s adjusting to the team. But it’s still early and we know that there’s still a lot of work to be done,” team manager Gee Abanilla told The STAR.

“As for our chances, we prefer to take it one game at a time. The Governors’ Cup is always very competitive, and there are a lot of strong teams capable of making a deep run. Our focus right now is on building chemistry, staying healthy, and improving every day to have a chance to compete.”

Whether King fits well with SMB’s local stalwarts led by June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Chris Ross, Don Trollano and new acquisitions Jerrick Ahanmisi and Pao Hernandez will be known beginning today.

First up for King and Co. are the Macau Black Pandas, who are reeling from their 75-114 beating from NLEX.

They engage in the 7:30 p.m. main game at the Ynares Center-Antipolo.