Import woes derailed SMB’s Grand Slam bid, says SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua
San Miguel was well on its way to claiming the franchise’s 2nd triple-crown in PBA history until import problems reared its ugly head and derailed the team’s quest to snatch the Governors’ Cup crown and complete a sweep after earlier conquering the Philippine Cup and Commissioner’s Cup of the league’s 44th season.
This was the assessment of SMC Sports Director Alfrancis Chua when pressed to comment of the issue during the press conference for the upcoming Governors’ Cup Finals between Brgy. Ginebra and Meralco, Saturday afternoon at the Sambo Kojin restaurant in Eastwood, Libis, Quezon City.
“Nagkaproblema sa import e. Kung yung import siguro si (Dez) Wells pa rin, ibang usapan yon dahil magaling yung import,” said Chua who is also the Gin Kings’ team governor.
“Kaso nagkaproblema yung import, yun ang nangyari,” he added.
Wells, who was averaging a league-best 37.13 points per outing before he suffered an ankle injury, got involved in a practice brawl with veterans Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid and Kelly Nabong and immediately left the country after the incident which occurred during the 30th birthday of main man June Mar Fajardo.
Team management slapped the three locals with an indefinite suspension and tapped replacement import John Holland for the rest of the way. The Beermen, however, failed to get their bearings back and was eventually booted out by Brgy. Ginebra in the quarterfinals.
“Maybe talagang hindi para sa kanila or hindi naka-prepare nang maayos. Sayang for the Grand Slam,” explained Chua. “Lahat naman gustong mag-Grand Slam pero again, to get the Grand Slam, you can’t take it lightly. Kailangan talagang makapag-prepare, kailangang handang- handa yung team mo.”