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| Jordan Murphy will be Ginebra's new import for the PBA Governors' Cup. University of Minnesota (file photo) |
MANILA—In hopes of keeping Ginebra afloat amid the uncertainty over Justin Brownlee's return, the team signed Jordan Murphy as its new import ahead of the resumption of the PBA Governors' Cup on Oct. 7.
Head coach Tim Cone confirmed the development on Thursday, saying, "Jordan Murphy has arrived today and will be the new Ginebra import."
The 29-year-old forward, who will replace Riley Grigsby, makes his first stop in Asia after bouncing around the NBA G League and Puerto Rican side Leones De Ponce for the past five years.
Murphy also had a stint with Israeli basketball contender Ironi Nes Ziona.
The San Antonio native starred for the University of Minnesota in the US NCAA, averaging career highs of 16.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game in his junior year.
Murphy graduated as the Gophers' all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles and ranked second in the Big Ten in rebounds behind NBA legend Jerry Lucas.
However, Cone is more interested in Murphy's offense, which on paper could be of great help for the PBA coaching legend's triangle offense.
"He's purported to be more of an inside-outside operator, which should fit our Triangle. We'll know more when we get him into practice over the next several days," Cone further said.
The Gin Kings will return to play on Oct. 9, battling the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Ginebra entered the Gilas Pilipinas break at the bottom of the Group B standings at 2-4, and the team needs to rack up wins to bolster its hopes for a quarterfinal berth.
