Express to parade Smith as Commissioner's Cup import

A combo guard who played for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Summer League will be the import of Air21 Express in the coming Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup. JaJuan Smith, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard, is expected to arrive either Thursday or Friday from Atlanta, Georgia to reinforce an Express squad that has done a lot of retooling the past month. Newly-installed Air21 coach Bong Ramos confirmed the news to GMANews.TV. “I’ve watched some of his videos and was convinced he’s the kind of import that we need," said Ramos in a telephone interview. “I’ve talked to him via videochat through Skype and I believe he’s fit. His last tournament was in November last year, but he’s been playing pick-up games. The management arranged everything that he needs to come here and he will be here either Thursday or Friday." Smith, who played for the Tulsa 66ers in the National Basketball Development League (NBDL), averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists during the playoffs. According to Ramos, he sees no problem bringing in a smaller import in Smith, whom he expects to be measured around 6-foot-2 and easily pass the 6-foot-4 height limit requirement. “He’s a combo guard and he will fill in the spot vacated by Ronjay Buenafe," said Ramos. “I expect him to be around 6-foot-2 and he could be one of the smallest imports to play in the second conference." B-Meg Derby Ace import makes it On Tuesday, B-Meg Derby Ace import Robert Brown easily passed the height measurement procedure held at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City. Brown, a stocky wingman, was measured at 6-foot-2 and 5/16. B-Meg Derby Ace coach Jorge Gallent said Brown last saw action in Tel Aviv and that he has impressive credentials. “His shooting from the field is around 60%, which means he takes his shot inside. He also has good attitude and has good credentials. I think he’s the kind of import we need," said Gallent. Brown was an Australian Basketball League All-Stars slam dunk winner, Argentinian All-Stars Most Valuable Player, and made the eurobasket.com All-Imports team last year. - KY, GMANews.TV