Columbiam will still have import Kyle Barone when it takes on the Tony Mitchell-reinforced NLEX Road Warriors this Saturday afternoon at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Yes, siya pa this game,” bared Dyip head coach Johnedel Cardel through a text message to Tiebreaker Times.
Tiebreaker Times reported that Barone was about to be replaced came out when the Dyip lost to Blackwater Elite, 110-118, last May 26, which dragged them down to 0-3 in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-10 slotman — who played for Saigon Heat in the ABL before going to the PBA — had 21 points, 14 rebounds, and five assists against Blackwater but that obviously wasn’t enough.
Barone is currently averaging 25.7 points, 17.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists.
Cardel has told before that they would like to have an immediate replacement for Barone when they face the Road Warriors but time constraints made them decide to stick with him for now.
But Saturday’s game will most likely be Barone’s last.
After playing NLEX, the Dyip will face Magnolia Hotshots on June 16, and the time in-between is definitely long enough to bring in their new enforcer and integrate him into their system.
“Next game, sa June 16, iba na,” said Cardel, who has yet to identify Columbian’s next reinforcement.
