GlobalPort battles Rain or Shine in Dubai

DUBAI — Former Meralco and Petron Blaze import Jarrid Famous makes his debut with GlobalPort Thursday when it takes on Rain or Shine in the first of two official PBA Governors’ Cup games at the 4,000-sitting capacity Al Shabab Al Arabi Club.

The Batang Pier meet the Elasto Painters at 7:30 p.m. (11:30 p.m. Manila time) before Paul Lee and Co. return Friday to take on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their Dubai rematch after the Kings edged ROS, 89-88, three years ago.

Famous, a 6-foot-11 undrafted NBA rookie who played at Westchester and South Florida, arrived late Tuesday ahead of GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio, who reportedly has recovered from a severe case of diarrhea which kept him from joining his team last Monday.

“Okey na si coach Pido; dadating siya bukas,” said GlobalPort alternate governor Erick Arejola.

Famous replaces standby import Steve Thomas, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds when the Batang Pier suffered their first loss after a 3-0 start, falling to San Miguel Beer and Arizona Reid, 124-102, last May 17.

With Famous towering over ROS import Wendell McKines, the highlight of the game will be the matchup between star Elasto Painters point guard Paul Lee and GlobalPort one-on-one sensation Terrence Romeo, two ace playmakers reportedly being eyed by Gilas Pilipinas coach Tab Baldwin for inclusion to the national team.

While acknowledging the need for a healthy roster, with Jeff Chan and Chris Tiu on the injury list and skipping the trip, Guiao dismissed suggestions to replace their import or trade for bigger players.