Barracudas give Lonnie Jones a birthday boot
By Jan Lin/Red Hoops
Brunei Barracudas’ 6’11” Lonnie Jones has been replaced by fellow American 23-year-old Reggie Larry. (Photo 1 © Les Tan/Red Sports)
After a string of below par performance, Brunei Barracudas’ American import Lonnie Jones has been given the boot on his 30th birthday last Sunday after the team was embarrassed 97-62 by Satria Muda in Indonesia.
The 6’11” American contributed 15 points in that game, a point behind the team’s top scorer Michael Pilgrim. With 66 points scored in total so far, Jones is ranked fourth behind Pilgrim, Leonidez Avenido and Francis Adriano in points scored for the team in the ABL.
So after three consecutive defeats, the Barracudas management decided a face lift was needed and have brought in American small forward Reggie Larry to replace the ineffective American center after five games.
The 23-year-old Larry was recruited by the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the 2009 season, but was kept out of the season early this year after injuring his finger in an exhibition game against San Miguel Beermen.
Known for his rebounding prowess and outbursts of energy, the addition of Larry to the jaded Barracudas is timely ahead of their home game against the Thailand Tigers this Saturday. A win is essential for the Barracudas to remain competitive in this 6-team league while a defeat will see them sink to the bottom of the league table.
The Thailand Tigers may be at the bottom of the ABL table now, but they have just come off an astounding 88-71 victory against the KL Dragons on Monday where local boy Attaporn Lertmalaiporn led the Tigers’ scoring spree with 21 points. The Tigers’ American imports Chaz Briggs and Ikenna Nwankwo each had a double-double too.
The Barracudas, on top of Larry’s fresh legs, have the best ASEAN imports in Leonidez Avenido and Francis Adriano. The Filipino duo’s current shooting record (80 points and 69 points respectively) and number of assists are amongst the best in the league so far.
This do-or-die ABL clash will tip-off at Brunei Indoor Stadium in Berakas this Saturday, 8pm. Tickets are available at all EGM outlets and the Indoor Stadium three hours before tip-off.
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good for barracudas, nxt in line to be replaced is michael pilgrim
No matter what, Lonnie Jones is still the best shot blocker in the ABL
I am surprised noone talks about Attaporn Lertmalaiporn. I watched the Tigers-Dragons game on ESPN last week. While everyone has been focussing on the Slinger locals and the Patriot locals this guy has quietly been putting up big numbers and may turn out to be the best local in the league. He has some really awesome skills in the open court and can finish very well. Hope his team starts getting some W’s then he will be talked about more.