Rain or Shine will be giving its import, DaJuan Summers, a chance to leave a lasting impression when it battles Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association this Friday.
According to a source privy to the situation, the Elasto Painters have already recruited a replacement import after Summers failed to lead them to a victory in their first three games.
A former National Basketball Association player, Summers averaged 24.8 points but only grabbed 8.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.
His dismal rebounding has been a major concern for Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, prompting him to look for a replacement.
The Elasto Painters are expected to formalize their hiring of new import on Tuesday. They, however, are not sure if the new reinforcement will be available to see action in time for their match against the Kings on Friday.
“The replacement import is more of an inside player, but he’s listed 6-foot-7,” the Daily Tribune source said on the condition of anonymity.
Aside from Summers, another concern for the Elasto Painters is the health condition of rookie center Keith Datu, who missed the team’s last couple of games.
The 6-foot-8, fourth overall pick missed their game against NorthPort due to calcium deposits on his knee. Then, he skipped their previous game against Phoenix Super LPG because of a flu.
But Datu started practicing on Monday and Rain or Shine is hoping to get significant minutes from him where he’ll be matched up against the big guys of Ginebra like Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar.
Much will be expected from Datu, who debuted with 16 points and five rebounds in a 102-107 loss to Meralco last 8 November.
