By Jericho Ilagan | SingaporeSlingers.com
Singapore – Michael Johnson, General Manager of the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers, Singapore’s first and only professional basketball team, announced the signing of their import cast for the 2013 ASEAN Basketball League season – ASEAN Imports Donald Dulay and Santiago Cabatu, Jr., and American Imports Rashad Jones-Jennings and Kyle Jeffers. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Guard Donald Dulay, who averaged 11.33 points per game, and ranked third overall in the league with 4.33 assists per game, will be returning for his second season with the Slingers. Dulay had 38 three-point field goals last year, ranked 6th best overall, and had a 35% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Neo Beng Siang, Head Coach of the JobStreet.com Singapore Slingers said “We are happy to have Don returning for his 2nd season. We think with one year under his belt with the Slingers, we are more aware of Don’s strengths and how best to use those skills. We also believe Don will be more comfortable in his role this time around.”
Santiago Cabatu, Jr., better known as Junjun Cabatu, was a key contributor for the AirAsia Philippine Patriots in Season 2, and for the San Miguel Beermen last year. He also previously played in the Philippine Basketball Association with the Welcoat Dragons, Alaska Aces, and Barangay Ginebra.
On Cabatu, Coach Neo was quoted: “We have seen Jun play over the last few years with the Patriots and San Miguel. He showed that he is very talented and we believe that with the opportunity to play bigger minutes with the Slingers on a regular basis, Jun will be a valuable member of our team this season.”
American Import Rashad Jones-Jennings, who stands 203cm, played for the University of Arkansas-Little Rock in the US, NCAA 1. Jones-Jennings led the NCAA in rebounding in his senior year at the University during the 2006-07 season with 13.1 rebounds per game. He has previously played in Argentina, France, Mexico, and most recently in Taiwan where he was named the 2011 Taiwan Super Basketball League (SBL) MVP. On Rashad Jennings, Coach Neo was quoted: “Rashad brings with him a strong work ethic especially on the rebounding aspect and should really help sure up our inside game this season“.
The Slingers Big Man in the Middle, Kyle Jeffers, will be on his 4th year of duty with the Slingers. Jeffers appeared in 9 games last year after he replaced Donald Little, and averaged 19.11 points per game and 12.67 rebounds per game. He also shot 52.67% from the field. Slingers Head Coach Neo said: “Kyle is very familiar with our system and our style of play, he is one of the best rebounders in the ABL and teamed with Rashad Jennings we should be able to hold our own on the glass, Kyle has struggled through injuries that past few season and has again struggled in the off season with a foot injury, however, we hope he will be at full fitness when the season starts“.
The Jobstreet.com Singapore Slingers will tip-off their 2013 campaign on the 13th January when they do battle with the Chang Thailand Slammers at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Tip-off is at 3:00pm.
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