Lewis out, Nealy in as Painters make last push in PBA Fiesta Cup

Rod Nealy is best remembered for playing for the most popular team in the Philippine Basketball Association – the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

This time, Nealy will be tasked to change the fortunes of a young team that needs direction -- the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

The lefty, all-around player who led the Gin Kings to the semifinals in the 2007 import-laden conference, will be back for another tour of duty, this time for an Elasto Painters seeking for a berth in the quarterfinal round.

Nealy will replace Jai Lewis, the burly slotman, who was ineffective for the previous games now.

Lewis will play his final game in the tournament when the Elasto Painters meet the San Miguel Beermen Friday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Rain or Shine co-team owner Raymond Yu told GMANews.TV that they opted for Nealy in replacing Lewis since he’s already familiar with the Filipino brand of play.

“We need a quick change. First, we know already what Nealy is capable of doing. Second, he doesn’t need to undergo import measurement as he has played here before and third, we can establish our running game and add an additional scorer on the team," said Yu in a telephone interview.

Nealy will play the small forward position and form a deadly triumvirate alongside young resident stars Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado.

Nealy is fresh from a campaign in the Portugese League where he emerged as the No.1 rebounder aside from averaging 18.7 points per game with the Vitoria SC Guimares.

Last season, Nealy led his CBA team Albany Patroons to the finals. His team lost to the finals against the Oklahoma Cavalry in overtime. After his CBA stint, he was called back for a return journey with Ginebra where he averaged 27.3 points per game.