Beermen test new import

VIC Manuel and San Miguel are looking to bounce back when they battle Converge in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Photo by Rio Deluvio
Games Friday:
(Philsports Arena)
3 p.m. — Terrafirma vs Bay Area
5:45 p.m. — San Miguel vs Converge
Focus will be on powerhouse San Miguel Beer as it parades a new import who is tipped to fill the huge void created by the absence of June Mar Fajardo in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup on Friday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Beermen will test journeyman Devon Scott when they face dangerous Converge at 5:45 p.m. following the collision between Terrafirma and visiting team Bay Area in the opening salvo at 3 p.m.
Listed at 6-foot-9, Scott is facing a massive challenge as he replaces Diamond Stone while plugging the hole in the middle created by the absence of Fajardo, the six-time PBA Most Valuable Player, who underwent a medical procedure to treat his injured throat.
Scott doesn't have any National Basketball Association experience, but he is very well-traveled after plying his trades in various leagues in Mexico, Dominican Republic, Italy, South Korea, Israel, Brazil, Argentina, New Zealand, and Canada.
San Miguel team manager Gee Abanilla told Daily Tribune that the reason for the import change has nothing to do with the skill set of Stone, but more on their immediate need after they lost their inside presence due to the injury of the 6-foot-10 Fajardo.
Stone, who only ended up with a forgettable 11 points in their 87-113 loss to Bay Area, is more of a stretch four and complements the game of Fajardo.
With the seven-time champion being sidelined for four to six weeks, bringing in a more versatile player like Scott gives the Beermen a different dimension as they try to avoid losing back-to-back games.
