Ex-NBA player Marcus Haislip a ‘strong candidate’ for SMB import

Naveen Ganglani

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Ex-NBA player Marcus Haislip a ‘strong candidate’ for SMB import
Haislip was drafted 14th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He played a total of 89 games in his NBA career

MANILA, Philippines – Former NBA first-round pick Marcus Haislip is one of the San Miguel Beermen’s import choices for the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup conference.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria told Rappler on Friday, December 26, that Haislip is a “strong candidate” as the Beermen look to finalize their import position for the next conference – which begins on January 27 – by next week.

“He’s in the list,” said Austria, who later told Rappler: “He’s a strong candidate. I watched his video and I know what kind of player he is. We want to have a player that is a good combination with June Mar [Fajardo] and will complement Arwind [Santos] and June Mar because those two guys are the heart of the team.”

Austria would have good reason to make sure Haislip’s game would mesh well with his two star players’ before finalizing an agreement.

Currently in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup, where the Beermen are 13-2 overall and on their way to the finals, Fajardo is averaging 19.2 PPG, 12.5 RPG, and 1.9 APG, while Santos is putting up 15.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, and 1.9 APG. The two have worked in cohesion as a devastating duo, and together with the rest of the team, have been a force to be reckoned with.

Austria pointed out that while Haislip is one of the favorites to land the import gig, it’s far from certain.

“We’re not really sure yet, because dahil mamaya baka may dumating na mas magaling (because there might be someone better). I think management will decide on that,” he told Rappler.

SMB management held off on making a final decision these past few days to concentrate on the team’s semifinal series against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters – whom they swept 4-0 – but they hope to announce who their import will be soon. 

“I think [by] next week, we have to decide.”

Haislip, 34, was drafted 14th overall in the 2002 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. He played a total of 89 games in his NBA career – including stints with the Indiana Pacers and San Antonio Spurs – averaging 3.5 PPG, and 1.5 RPG.

The Tennessee-native shot 35% from 3-point range in his NBA career, although the sample size (7-of-20) is small.

Haislip also played for 5 different teams in the Euroleague. His best season in Europe was with Efes Pilsen in the 2006-2007 season, where he averaged 14.1 PPG and 6.7 RPG on 49% shooting from the floor, including 37% from downtown.

Haislip has also seen in action in the Chinese Basketball Association. – Rappler.com

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