San Miguel Beer is ready for a challenging match on Thursday when they face Ryukyu in the East Asia Super League (EASL) Champions Week at the Brex Arena Utsunomiya.
The game between the reigning PBA Philippine Cup champion and the Golden Kings is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. (Manila time) and will be closely watched by fans on both sides of the Pacific.
One of the most exciting aspects of the match is the presence of two familiar faces on the Golden Kings’ side: Gilas Pilipinas pool member Carl Tamayo and PBA three-time Best Import Allen Durham. Tamayo is set to make his pro debut with Ryukyu after playing two seasons with University of the Philippines.
The 22-year-old expressed his excitement during a media press conference, saying, “It’s my first pro debut in the EASL and I’m very excited. I really prepared myself for this moment. I’m very happy to play with my teammates and represent the Kings.”
Durham, on the other hand, is one of three imports officially in the Golden Kings’ lineup, along with Josh Duncan and Jack Cooley. The 34-year-old, do-it-all Durham was in the country a week ago to visit his former teammates and watch a game of Meralco against TNT in the Governors’ Cup. Now, he’s geared up to compete against one of his former teams in the PBA.
San Miguel Beer, on the other hand, will be reinforced by Cameron Clark and Jessie Govan.
Six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez will lead the local side of the Beermen, who also lined up high-scoring guard Terrence Romeo. Romeo has not played for San Miguel in the ongoing conference due to a back injury, but will finally make his return under the guidance of coach Jorge Gallent.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Board Chairman Ricky Vargas, and Barangay Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua will also be in attendance, showing their support for the Philippine teams in the EASL.
