Slam Dunk king Murrell impresses Cone

REIGNING PBA Slam Dunk king David Murrell has the hops and could excite Barangay Ginebra fans because of his ability to dunk if given a chance to showcase his wares.

Yet, Gin Kings coach Tim Cone saw something different from the 27-year-old Filipino-American, just a week after the team signed Murrell via free agency.

“We’re still evaluating him at this point. (But) There’s a lot to like, especially defensively,” Cone told The Manila Times.

David Murrell (right) PBA PHOTO

Murrell made his Ginebra debut last week, scoring three points and grabbing two rebounds in the Gin Kings’ 105-93 win over the Converge FiberXers in their out-of-town game in Cagayan de Oro City.

The American coach has no doubt that Murrell has the tools to thrive in the pros, but just like everyone else, the young Ginebra wingman will have to learn the system and earn his minutes.

“He’s (Murrell) an athletic defender. He’ll have to earn his playing time,” Cone said, whose team suffered a blow in its three spot after top wingman Jamie Malonzo sustained a calf tear, joining Jeremiah Gray and Aljon Mariano in injured bay in the process.

Ginebra managed to string up four consecutive wins for a 7-3 record in the Philippine Cup.

The loss of NLEX to Rain or Shine last Friday allowed Ginebra to corner the second seeding for the quarterfinals and the last twice-to-beat incentive.

San Miguel already secured the no. 1 seed by virtue of its 10-0 record as of this writing.

Ginebra will look to close the elimination round with a win when it faces NLEX on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.