Chism takes over McLean post in ‘Rain’

MANILA, Philippines - Rain or Shine tapped Wayne Chism to take over from Alex McLean while Barangay Ginebra still has been burning phone lines in search of someone who could save the team from imminent danger in the PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The Elasto Painters eventually gave McLean the pink slip late Wednesday night as soon as they were certain Chism was on his way to Manila. Chism arrived yesterday morning.

McLean’s solid performance in the Elasto Painters’ 96-79 rout of the Meralco Bolts Wednesday didn’t save his job.

“Alex (McLean) is a good import but we feel Chism could be the right import for us,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao. “He’s bigger, he’s taller, which is what we need to plug the hole in the middle.”

The E-Painters notched two wins against three losses with McLean in tow.

Chism was supposed to be Barako Bull’s import. He had actually practiced with the Energy Cola in the pre-season only to find out he had a contractual problem with his previous team in Hungary. But he has resolved his problem with his Hungarian team, thus, making him free to join Rain or Shine.

The former Tennessee U standout averaged 20.7 points, 10.1 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in 16 games with the Kaposvari team in Hungary.

The Ginebra Kings had also thought of hiring Chism but they were beaten to the punch by the E-Painters.

Other prospects that Ginebra failed to land are Gabe Freeman, Darnell Jackson, Josh Powell and James Southerland.

“We’re close to signing him (Southerland) but then he opted to wait for a call from the NBA,” said a team insider.

Southerland is a former Charlotte Bobcat who last played with the LA D-Fenders in the NBA D-League.

Meanwhile, Meralco has yet to decide whether to keep Brian Butch or finally activate standby import Darnell Jackson.