BARANGAY Ginebra had a change of heart and decided to pick a new import instead of sticking with a familiar face for the upcoming Governors’ Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association.
After announcing an earlier decision to retain Othyus Jeffers for the third conference, the Gin Kings said recently that they needed a change and tapped wingman Drew Crawford as their reinforcement for the season-ending tournament.
Crawford is the son of veteran National Basketball Association referee Dan.
Ginebra is hoping that the 6-foot-5 Crawford can elevate the team to the next level as scouting reports suggest that he can play multiple positions effectively.
When Ginebra tapped Jeffers as its import for the previous Commissioner's Cup, the team's management also said that he will also serve as the reinforcement for the Gin Kings for the Governors' Cup.
However, the plan changed after Ginebra failed to list at least a win in the playoffs of the Commissioner's Cup and once again failed to make it past the quarterfinals.
This decision was also influenced by the status of star center Greg Slaughter, whose availability for the Governors' Cup remains uncertain as he continues to have ankle problems.
With Slaughter's status still uncertain, an upgrade in size became a necessity for Ginebra.
Hence, the bigger Crawford will now be in tow instead of the 6-foot-3 Jeffers, who was the smallest import in the previous conference.
The Governors' Cup starts on July 15, five days after the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament concludes.
The 25-year-old Crawford, who went undrafted in the 2014 NBA Draft, last played overseas in Israel.