SAN Miguel Beer is expected to have its hands full today when it battles Ryukyu Golden Kings in the East Asia Super League Champions Week at the Brex Arena Utsunomiya.
The showdown between the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion and the Golden Kings is set at 6:30 p.m. (Manila time), after the curtain-raiser between Seoul SK Knights and recent Manila visitor Bay Area Dragons.
Two very familiar faces will be at the Golden Kings’ side — Gilas Pilipinas pool member Carl Tamayo and PBA three-time Best Import Allen Durham.
The match serves as the 6-foot-7 Tamayo’s debut with Ryukyu, which recently signed him to a lucrative three-year contract after playing two seasons with University of the Philippines.
“It’s my first pro debut in the EASL and I’m very excited,” said Tamayo, 22, during a media presser. “I really prepared myself for this moment. I’m very happy to play with my teammates and represent the Kings.”
Durham, who previously played for the Meralco Bolts, is one of three imports officially in the lineup of the Golden Kings along with Josh Duncan and Jack Cooley.
The 34-year-old, do-it-all Durham was in the country a week ago to visit his former teammates and watch a game between Meralco and TNT in the Governors’ Cup.
San Miguel will be reinforced by Cameron Clark and Jessie Govan.
Six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez, fresh from their stint with Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers, banner the local side of the Beermen, who also lined up high-scoring guard Terrence Romeo.
The three-time PBA scoring king has not suited up for San Miguel in the ongoing conference due to a back injury.
The debut game of TNT against Japan B. League champion Utsunomiya Brex was being played at press time yesterday.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Board chairman Ricky Vargas, and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua arrive in Utsunomiya late Wednesday for the games.
