For the Governors’ Cup, the San Miguel Beermen will be bringing in balik-import Wendell McKines who previously played for Alaska and Rain or Shine.
McKines will be making his third tour of duty in the Philippines. He is the second former Rain or Shine import to join the Beermen after Arizona Reid who was San Miguel’s resident Governors’ Cup reinforcement for the past two seasons.
McKines showed up at the San Miguel Beer sidelines on Sunday’s game against Barangay Ginebra wearing a Beermen t-shirt. He expressed his excitement over his new team.
“There’s a lot of weapons. It’s a very talented team,” McKines told InterAksyon. “It’s a very experienced team. Everybody’s in their prime.”
The veteran import, who played as an undersized center in his past stints, is also looking forward to teaming up with reigning three-time MVP June Mar Fajardo.
“June Mar is probably the best PBA player. I see this as a great opportunity to finally win a championship,” McKines said.
“With June Mar, it makes easier not just for me, but everybody on the team.”
McKines said he is grateful for the chance to return to the PBA. Last season, then-Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao tried to tap him but his obligations in Korea prevented him from coming back.
The journeyman said he wants to catch up with Guiao who now coaches NLEX.
“I look forward seeing him,” McKines said. “I appreciate him giving me a second opportunity of playing in the PBA. I look forward seeing him, as a person. Thanking him.”
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said Mckines is still not in tip-top shape, having rested for a month after a grueling eight-month competition in Korea.
“Right now, he’s taking his time. Alam naman niya kung kelan siya mag-i-start. I’ve heard mayroon siyang trainer na darating for him to get in shape right away,” Austria said. “He told us in two weeks time, makakabalik siya (sa condition).”
For the multi-titled coach, McKines is a logical choice as he will give the Beermen additional player up front who can play solid on both ends of the court.
“We beat them in the semifinals when we had AZ,” Austria said. “We’re having a hard time defending him because he’s a good post up player. He’s going to give the other teams problems because he’s so athletic and double threat na naman kami sa post.”
