Petron Blaze continues to search for replacement import following ban on Balkman
Games today:
Araneta Coliseum
5:15 p.m.- Barako Bull vs. Meralco
7:30 p.m.- Rain or Shine vs. Talk ‘N Text
The Petron Blaze Boosters have yet to find a replacement for Renaldo Balkman, who was recently meted a lifetime from the PBA and fined P250,000 for his outburst in a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Alaska last Friday.
“Petron has no import replacement yet. Events happened so fast, no one prepared for or expected this situation,” said Noli Eala, sports director of San Miguel Corp., in a post on his Twitter account.
Head coach Olsen Racela earlier said in a report at spin.ph that it would be difficult for Petron to find a replacement that fast.
“It takes time to find a replacement. So kailangan maka-come up na kami ng short list by Tuesday afternoon kasi bibiyahe pa iyan, may negotiation pa for a contract bago iyan darating dito,” said the 42-year-old rookie mentor.
If they fail to find a repacement, Petron may play its next game this Saturday against Rain or Shine without an import. That game will be an out-of-town game in Panabo, Lanao del Norte.
Meanwhile, before locking horns with the Boosters, the Elasto Painters first look to pad their winning run to six when they face the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters today in the main game.
The Painters are looking to tie the Alaska Aces at the top of the standings. Rain or Shine sports a 5-1 (win-loss) record.
