Painters make another import change, tap Alexander

Rain or Shine has brought in former NLEX import Kwame Alexander as its latest reinforcement for the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup, replacing Kayel Locke.

Locke lasted just three games, averaging 22.33 points, 9.67 rebounds and 2.0 assists, but he failed to help arrest ROS’ skid, which has stretched to four straight defeats. The Elasto Painters tumbled to 1-5 overall after bowing to the Alaska Aces last Sunday, 78-71.

The Aces and Elasto Painters are tied at the cellar with 1-5 cards.

Alexander is a familiar face for PBA fans, having played for the Road Warriors during the 2015 Governors’ Cup where he came in as a dreadlock-haired import. The Road Warriors, though, finished 11th with a 3-8 record and were ousted early.

The athletic American will be Rain or Shine’s third import this conference after Joel Wright and Locke.

“We struggled with Kayel because he played more as a wing player than a big. And we felt given our roster that lacked big men, we needed a guy like Kwame who can play inside,” Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia told ESPN5 on Friday.

Alexander had his first practice with the team on Friday and he quickly impressed Garcia.

“When he came in at practice, you can see the physical difference he had (compared to Locke) because he’s bigger and he was able to get the plays well. He’s also stocky. We just hope with a few more days, he can quickly adapt our system before our next game,” explained the ROS mentor.

The 29-year-old import is coming off a stint with the Trotamundos de Carabobo in the Venezuela league, posting averages of 11.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.4 steals in 14 matches recently.

Alexander, who played for Irvine Valley and later, Cal State San Bernardino, has a few more days to adjust before making his debut in a ROS uniform when the team faces Blackwater on Oct. 23. —