The Blackwater Elite are counting on former import Greg Smith to get them deep into the playoffs.
The Elite sought the services of Smith to replace Staphon Blair, who injured his knee in the game against Talk N' Text last July 7. He spent most of his time on the bench on Sunday against Alaska.
Smith, who played for Blackwater in the same conference two years ago, was to arrive Monday, according to team manager Pat Aquino.
Blackwater enters the quarterfinals as a third seeded and faces either Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manok or San Miguel Beer in a best-of-three series starting Saturday.
The Elite, who are enjoying their best conference of the season, hope Smith's NBA and overseas experience will make as difference as they try to advance to the semi-finals for the first time in franchise history.
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Smith was actually Blackwater's first choice to replace Alex Stepheson, who flew back to the US to seek medical treatment. But at the time the former Houston Rocket was still under contract with a Puerto Rican team.
During his first tour of duty with Blackwater, Smith averaged 27.2 points and 22.1 rebounds in 11 games although the Elite failed to advance to the quarterfinals.
He was so impressive that former Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes has considered him as naturalized player for the national team. (JT)
