Red Bull tests Coke new import

Coca-Cola will field Donald Copeland, replacing Gee Gervin, as the Tigers battle the front-running Red Bull squad today in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Center.

Copeland, the team’s original pick who became available for the job only a few days ago, was officially measured at the PBA office yesterday at 5-foot-9 and 1/4.

Gervin, son of NBA legend George Sr., is flying straight today from Manila to Sweden where he signed up a long three-year contract. The former Houston Cougar has long been playing in the Swedish league.

“It was a choice between a legitimate point guard and a player who can swing from point guard to wingman. Gervin can play point and off-guard but he’s not solid in both positions. Donald is a solid point guard,” said Coke assistant coach Boybits Victoria.

Copeland, 25, averaged 14.3 points as an all-state senior at St. Anthony High in New Jersey in 2001-02.

He played four years at Seton Hall University in college, norming 2.2 points as a freshman, 1.3 as a sophomore, 6.9 as a junior and finally, 16.1 as a senior.

Copeland saw action on two Seton Hall teams that qualified for the NCAA Tournament. In his senior season, he led the Pirates varsity in scoring, assists, steals, three-point percentage and free throw percentage.

The short but stocky guard will  have his baptism of fire in the league against the Bulls in their 4:50 p.m. game.

Sta. Lucia and Welcoat collide at 7:30 p.m.

The Bulls (7-3) hope to firm up their hold of the solo lead against the Tigers (6-4) who are out to catch up with the Talk n Text Pals (7-4) at second place.

The Pals slid to second and left the Bulls alone on top on a loss to Purefoods Wednesday.

Sta. Lucia is in the middle of the chart at 5-4 while Welcoat is two and a half games behind at 3-7.