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Meet the imports of the 2014 PBA Commissioner's Cup

Alaska's Rob Dozier after being named Best Import.

Rain or Shine and San Mig Super Coffee are still battling it out for the PLDT-myDSL PBA Philippine Cup crown but, at the same time, are already bracing themselves for another tough task ahead: The Commissioner's Cup.

The Elasto Painters are bent on parading former Liberty U standout Alexander McLean while the Super Coffee Mixers intend to field James Mays of Clemson U in the import-flavored mid-season conference that gets going on March 7.

Both imports, standing at least 6-foot-8, are even watching the race-to-four finals showdown for the All-Filipino crown, with San Mig Super Coffee, which holds a commanding 3-1 lead, going for the kill in this Sunday's Game 5 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Defending champion Alaska, meanwhile, is sticking with reigning conference Best Import Robert Dozier, who powered the Aces to the top last year via a three-game finals sweep against crowd favorite Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

Former North Carolina State standout and NBA D-League veteran Richard Howell will suit up for powerhouse Talk 'N Text while ex-Barako Bull reinforcement, Evan Brock, will now carry the colors of GlobalPort.



Air21, which finished at the bottom two along with Meralco in the on-going All-Filipino tournament and is allowed to tap an import with a height ceiling of 6-foot-11, will be reinforced by former Rutgers U stalwart Herve Lamizana of Ivory Coast.

The Gin Kings, who last hoisted a crown back in the 2008 Fiesta Conference, are keen on tapping the services of Nothern Illinois U product Leon Rodgers.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer, Barako Bull and Meralco are still looking for their reinforcements.

The Energy Cola got the commitment from import Devon Dwayne Chism, who arrived early this week, but were forced to send the 6-foot-9 University of Tennessee product following a contract dispute with his previous team, Kopasvari, in the Hungarian Basketball League.

The Beermen, who are raring to make up for lost ground following a disappointing semifinals finish in the All-Filipino crown, are reportedly setting their sights on NBA veteran DJ White.

Yet to name their import prospect are the Bolts.