Gregorio wants Lewis-type of import for Giants’ Fiesta Cup campaign

Philippine Cup titlist Purefoods TJ Giants is on the lookout for a Jai Lewis-type of an import to boost their drive for a second straight PBA crown.

Giant's coach Ryan Gregorio said that Lewis, Rain or Shine’s reinforcement in last year’s Fiesta Conference, is the barometer of imports playing in the Fiesta Conference which opens on March 21.

“In my opinion, I truly believe the yardstick of imports in the Fiesta Conference is Jai Lewis of Rain Or Shine," said Gregorio. “(Lewis) can provide the team with his inside presence and can also shoot from the perimeter."

“Right now, I don't have anybody to match well with him so we are on the lookout for a reinforcement who is a solid back to the basket player who can also step out and hit the perimeter and provide the team with offense especially when the locals are not up to it," added Gregorio.

The Giants swept the Alaska Aces in their best-of-seven title series to be in the best position to sweep the titles in the 2009-10 PBA season.

The Purefoods’ management is all out to ensure that the Giants will be securing the right import to complete the rare feat.

Team manager Alvin Patrimonio said that he has in his hand a short list of prospective imports from scouts and is set to sit down with Gregorio to determine who the best candidate is for the team.

Included in the list is Reggie Larry, who Gregorio wanted in the past Fiesta Cup and recently played as the Brunei Barracudas’ import in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL).

“He is on the list but there is no truth to rumors that he will be our import because negotiations have not reached first base," explained Gregorio.

He also hopes that their chosen import would not destroy the rhythm of the team that he has built in the past conference since the soon to be named reinforcement will play lots of minutes in the court since the import will take the spot one of the local players whom Gregorio used as part of his regular rotation in the All Filipino Cup.

Gregorio, who became Purefoods most accomplished coach with three titles, plans to give the team a break and will return by March 17 to start preparation for the Fiesta Conference.

“We will be giving the players their much needed break and will return to practice by March 17 or by that week. The next conference opens on March 21 but I heard from league officials that our team and Alaska will play at a later date so we will have enough time to prepare," added Gregorio.

Should Gregorio succeed in his goal of winning back-to-back titles, he will join the company of Robert Jaworski and the late Ed Ocampo, who have won four crowns each.

Virgilio “Baby" Dalupan has the most number of titles with 15 followed by Tim Cone (12) and Norman Black (10). Jong Uichico has eight followed by Tommy Manotoc, Dante Silverio, Yeng Guiao and Chot Reyes with five each. – GMANews.TV