Import DaJuan Summers’ shortcomings as a poor rebounder and soft defender has prompted Rain or Shine to look for a replacement as the Elasto Painters attempt to revive its fortunes in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup.
Caloy Garcia, head of basketball of operations, told DAILY TRIBUNE that the three losses by the squad were credited to its lack of rebounding muscle and defensive weak spots.
“In all the three losses that we suffered, we were beaten in rebounding and Coach Yeng felt we need an import who could provide both rebounding and defense,” Garcia said.
The coaching staff and management are meeting Monday to look at their options.
“We have to look at the list and identify players who can come in right away to play for us.”
In the event the team fails to import a replacement right away, Summers, the 2009 35th overall pick in the National Basketball Association Draft, would be asked to stay when they battle crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In three games, Summers averaged 24.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, but he only had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists in Rain or Shine’s heartbreaking 98-99 loss to Phoenix Super LPG in a game where the Elasto Painters played with an all-Filipino line up for a long stretch in the match.
