Quincy Miller steps in for SMB in PBA Comm's Cup debut as Troy Baxter's clearance still pending

San Miguel was forced to tap Quincy Miller for the PBA Commissioner's Cup as Troy Baxter was not cleared in time. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--San Miguel is sticking with Quincy Miller for now in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

Miller, playing in his third different team in the mid-season conference for the third straight year, was activated PBA-wise as supposed import Troy Baxter, fresh from a stint in the Malaysian league with the Johor Southern Tigers, could not get cleared in time for the Beermen's opener against the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Tuesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

"Yung clearance ni Troy did not come as early as we wanted, so we just look for another import whether in the EASL or the PBA," SMB coach Jorge Gallent said.

Miller was initially signed by the Beermen exclusively for the EASL supposedly, but the situation of Baxter, which according to Gallent is similar to that of Rain Or Shine Elasto Painter Deon Thompson, prompted them to take the 6-foot-10 forward who previously played for the Converge FiberXers and TNT Tropang Giga to the PBA.

The activation of Miller for SMB meant TNT, who replaced him after just one game last season with resident import Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, granted him a release.

"We just cannot wait, so we just decided to look for a replacement," Gallent added.

"As of now, it's still him."

However, he did say too that the Beermen are still looking for another import, especially with EJ Anosike, their import for the Governors' Cup and for their first two EASL games, already returning to the United States.

Although limited to only 14 points and 10 rebounds in his PBA return, Miller provided a significant contribution for SMB in the clutch as he set up the screen that gave Marcio Lassiter a lot of space for his game-winning jumper.

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