Jorge Gallent says Kyt Jimenez 'welcome' to join SMB after fixing contract situation with GenSan

Kyt Jimenez can join the Beermen as soon as he finishes his obligations with the Warriors. Ivan Saldajeno (file photo) 
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY—San Miguel is very much welcome to bring Kyt Jimenez to its fold once he finally settles his score with GenSan in the MPBL.

Jimenez, the Beermen's ninth-round pick in the recent PBA Draft, found himself at the crossroads after the Warriors insisted that he has to finish his obligations with them first before moving to the PBA.

"If Kyt can fix that, then I guess he's welcome in the San Miguel team," Gallent said during the PBA Media Day on Tuesday at One Esplanade.

Jimenez signed a two-year contract to play for SMB, but GenSan revealed that his playing contract with them will last until the end of the year, causing a standoff between the two teams.

Jimenez gave in and said in an online statement that he will honor the remainder of his contract with the Warriors.

However, Gallent confirmed that Jimenez has already practiced with the Beermen "a lot of times," and the combo guard was even seen with his future teammates during the PBA Fun Run on Sunday at the Bridgetowne Complex in Pasig.

Gallent, meanwhile, said that he cannot comment further on the situation between SMB and Jimenez apart from what he already said.

"Just talk to Gee (Abanilla, the team's manager) about that," Gallent said.

Jimenez is expected to suit up later Tuesday when GenSan faces Muntinlupa in the knockout game of their MPBL South Division Playoffs series at the Paco Arena in Manila.

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