Eala said coach Rajko Toroman is finding it difficult to find replacements for CJ Giles, who sought work elsewhere; and the oft-injured Jamal Sampson.
Toroman is back in the United States to catch three potential imports in action in the National Basketball Developmental League — Earl Barron, Michael Sey and Courtney Sims. But things reportedly turned sour for the noted Serbian mentor as Barron, a one-time PBA import, played lethargic, finishing with only six points and four rebounds while Sey was not impressive enough to become the Filipinos’ full-time reinforcement.
Sims, a talented and athletic big man, is reportedly headed to the NBA as Golden State Warriors’ general manager and head coach Don Nelson was also on the sidelines to personally lure him back to the NBA. The 6-foot-11 former University of Michigan star has been a hot property in the D-League since scoring a rare triple-double for the Iowa Energy with 22 points, 17 rebounds and 11 blocks on Nov. 28, 2008.
Aside from the Warriors, the 26-year-old journeyman also saw action for the New Orleans Hornets, Phoenix Suns and New York Knicks, making it highly-impossible for the SBP to tap him as reinforcement.
“There’s already some pressure, I cannot deny that,” said Eala in a telephone conversation. “But we are clear with our objective of hiring only the best (import) because he will be playing not for a commercial team, but for a national team. We’re eyeing a long-term commitment so we really have to take a risk.
“Sims could be a good choice, but Don Nelson was also there to convince him to go back to the NBA.”
Source: Julius Manicad | The Daily Tribune
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