TNT PARADES CARNEY VS ROS IN BIÑAN
Unable to work on Othyus Jeffers’ clearance from the NBA, Talk n Text is forced to bring in a new import in Rodney Carney as the Tropang Texters take on the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna Wednesday.
The Texters look to bounce back from their 91-103 loss to the Alaska Aces Monday night as they tangle with the Elasto Painters at 8 p.m.
Talk n Text dropped that game versus Alaska as it played with an all-Filipino crew with Jeffers facing contractual woes with his NBA team the Minnesota Timberwolves.
“Because the NBA won’t release his rights until June 30, we were forced to make an import change,” said Talk n Text coach Norman Black.
“Losing Othyus is a big loss because of his talent and good attitude. Nonetheless, we will go out and do our best to win the game versus Rain or Shine,” Black also said.
Carney, also an NBA veteran with stints with the Philadelphia Sixers, the Timberwolves, the Golden State Warriors and the Memphies Grizzlies, will arrive in time for the game versus the E-Painters.
Before taking his flight to Manila, he was measured in the United States without shoes at 6-4 ¾ and weighed 220 pounds.
“He is a good defender who can score slashing to the basket, We are hoping he can step in and help the team right away despite coming in on short notice,” said Black.
In his lone game in the PBA, Jeffers exploded for 38 points and 13 rebounds to power Talk n Text past Meralco, 105-99. Jeffers was allowed to play in the local pro league then on a temporary clearance from FIBA.
Coming in his place is another blue-chip player in Carney, the 16th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls in the 2006 NBA Draft.
With the departure of Allen Iverson and Chris Webber in 2007, Carney became a starter for the Sixers, averaging nine points and three rebounds per game.
But with hardly a preparation, would he be ready to play AZ Reid and the E-Painters?
The E-Painters have just rediscovered their old fire and form, drubbing the GlobalPort Batang Pier, 119-97, after having lost their last five games, including a three-game sweep by the Texters in their Commissioner’s Cup Final Four faceoff. (SB)
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