Qualls out as ROS taps Smith
Rain or Shine parted ways with athletic import Michael Qualls after four winless outings and will now pin its hopes on Mexican league veteran Greg Smith when the team returns to action this coming Sunday, February 12 against Blackwater.
The import change was announced on Wednesday at Rain or Shine’s Official Facebook page.
While Qualls has been delivering statistically, ROS coach Yeng Guiao admitted that chemistry between the American import and the locals seem to be lacking, which prompted them to consider replacing him.
The Elasto Painters fought tooth and nail against the Barangay Ginebra Kings before absorbing a 116-108 defeat. Qualls managed to lead ROS in scoring with 23 points, but he shot just 7-of-21 overall.
With the 32-year-old Smith, a standout from Colorado State, Rain or Shine hopes to turn the corner quick when the team collides with Blackwater.
The incoming reinforcement has three more days to integrate himself with his new teammates before making his debut in a Rain or Shine jersey.
Smith has spent his time playing overseas professionally, including stops in Puerto Rico, Brazil, France, Latvia, Argentina, before seeing action in the Mexican league from 2016 through 2019.
