NBA veterans lead new imports in coming PBA Commissioner’s Cup

AFTER their quarterfinal runs in the PBA Governors’ Cup, NLEX and Converge are aiming to take it further in the coming Commissioner’s Cup with former NBA players as spearheads.

The Road Warriors are parading Ed Davis, a 12-year NBA vet who suited up for Toronto, Memphis, LA Lakers, Portland, Brooklyn, Utah, Minnesota and Cleveland before taking his act overseas.

NLEX coach Jong Uichico expects the 6-foot-9 Mr. Davis to create an immediate impact for the squad, which is raring to continue the drive in the mid-season conference after absorbing a 1-3 defeat to TNT in the Governors’ Cup Last-8.

“We’re thrilled to have Ed (Davis) on board,” Mr. Uichico said of the 35-year-old Mr. Davis, whose most recent stint was with Cangrejeros de Santurce in Puerto Rico early this year.

“He brings a wealth of experience and leadership that we believe will help us. We’re optimistic that he’ll be able to match up against the league’s top big men and make a huge difference in our campaign this conference.”

For their part, the FiberXers are fielding Cheick Diallo, who had previous stints with New Orleans, Phoenix and Detroit.

The 6-foot-8, Mali native Mr. Diallo shores up the frontline of Converge, which recently pushed mighty San Miguel to the limit in the quarters before taking the exit in five games.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Super LPG, after a woeful 1-9 win-loss card in the Governors’ Cup, is bringing in Euro leagues campaigner Donovan Smith.

“He will provide a much needed presence inside,” the Fuel Masters said of the 6-foot-10 Mr. Smith.

Messrs. Davis, Diallo and Smith are three new faces set to strut their stuff in the second conference tipping off Nov. 27.

Magnolia, another quarterfinalist in the Governors’ Cup, is pinning its hope on balik-import Ricardo Ratliffe, Korea’s former naturalized player.

The 6-foot-8 Mr. Ratliffe has spent most of his time in Korea in between his previous tenure with the Hotshots in 2016 and 2017. Mr. Ratliffe had a fruitful Korean Basketball League career, winning three titles and three Player of the Year honors. Last July, he suited up for Changsa Wantian Yongsheng in China’s National Basketball League before reuniting with the Hotshots. — Olmin Leyba