Barring last-minute hitches, Ginebra import prospect Josh Powell set to arrive in time for game against Meralco

Barring unforeseen incidents, former LA Laker Josh Powell is scheduled to board a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles on Sunday evening (Monday, Manila time) and arrive early Tuesday morning in Manila. Photo from Josh Powell's Twitter account

BARRING any last-minute hitches, Josh Powell should make it in time for Ginebra's game against Meralco in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday.

According to Spin.ph sources, Powell, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is scheduled to arrive on Tuesday morning, which should give him just enough time to get to know his teammates and run through some plays ahead of his PBA debut.

Powell, barring unforeseen incidents, is scheduled to board a Philippine Airlines flight from Los Angeles on Sunday evening (Monday, Manila time) and arrive early Tuesday morning.

Powell, though, will have his hands full once he arrives, as he will be counted upon to be the 'savior' of a Ginebra team that had struggled to a 2-4 (win-loss) record with misfiring import Leon Rodgers in the short elimination round of the mid-season conference.

The former North Carolina State Wolfpack will also be up against a highly touted import in Darnell Jackson, who will also be making his debut for Meralco on Wednesday.

Powell, at least, should be in shape when he arrives as he is coming off an impressive stint with the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association, where according to internet reports he received a monthly salary of US$80,000 a month excluding bonuses.

The maximum salary for PBA imports is US$20,000 a month.

Curiously, Ginebra management has made no official announcement as far as its import situation is concerned while Powell's Twitter account (@JP21Reasons) has been silent for the last 37 hours.

Aside from catching up with Ginebra's plays, Powell should have a very hectic Tuesday as he will also attend to the application of his immigration clearance, Games and Amusement Board license and he will also be required to be measured at the PBA office - all on the same day.

The six-year NBA veteran is listed at 6-9 in the US and should be an inch or two shorter when he is measured by the league. Ginebra has an import height limit of 6-9.