EJ Anosike, who has impressed in his first two games in the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals, is emerging as the logical choice.
San Miguel is yet to decide on a replacement for import Jordan Adams in the upcoming 2024-25 East Asia Super League season, which opens on October 2 at the MOA Arena.
Head coach Jorge Gallent said the coaching staff will meet with team manager Gee Abanilla on Sunday, September 29, to talk about who will be paired up with the other reinforcement in Quincy Miller.
It is highly likely that current PBA Governors' Cup import EJ Anosike will also take over the EASL spot, according to Gallent.
“It’s gonna be Miller and most probably him,” said Gallent, pointing to Anosike shortly after the 107-100 win over Converge in Game 2 of the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals.
[RELATED STORY: EJ Anosike, San Miguel foil Converge, move win away from semis seat in PBA Governors' Cup]
Anosike is the logical choice for the Beermen, especially after he poured 41 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the aforementioned Game 2 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In his PBA debut, the Nigerian-American also made a good impression after finishing with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and five rebounds.
“Si EJ sobrang lakas sa ilalim, sobrang lakas nya sa boards,” said eight-time MVP June Mar Fajardo after the opening win against the FiberXers on Thursday, September 26.
[ALSO READ: June Mar Fajardo lauds EJ Anosike: 'Hustle player, grabe 'yung energy’]
Still, the import situation is not the only dilemma for the Beermen now.
Gallent said they have to choose only 10 from their current 15-man local crew when San Miguel squares off against Korean Baskeball league’s runner-up Suwon KT Sonicboom on October 2.
“We have to choose 10 of the 15 Filipinos. Kasi 12-man lineup lang plus two imports. so 10 na lang sa local,” said Gallent. “It’s gonna be a hard decision to make, yung 10 Filipinos. But it's gonna be collective naman.”
Aside from San Miguel, Meralco is also launching its EASL campaign on the same day at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Bolts will take on Macau Basketball League champions Macau Black Bears.