David Young makes PBA debut with "younger" SMB Squad

source:mb.com

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer will officially parade a new PBA import tomorrow in their game against the Alaska Aces in the person of 29 year old David “DY” Martin Young Jr.

Young will be replacing erstwhile import Ira Brown and will try to blend in well with the "younger" SMB squad thanks to that celebrated PBA trade that took place one week ago.

Young graduated from Xavier University and North Carolina University and was officially drafted by the Seattle Supersonics back in 2004. While he did sign with the Sonics, he was waived one month after and never really played in an official NBA game.

After his short listing in the NBA, Young took his act to Greece where he played for the Greek League. He was the top scorer for the team, carrying a 20.5 ppg average that made him among the top scorers in Europe for the 2009-2010 season.

Other playing experiences for Young include stints with Air Avelino (2005-2006) and Banco di Sardegna Sassari (2006-2007).

Young, prior to being drafted by the Sonics, strut his wares in the NBA D-League where he finished the season second in scoring with an 18.5 ppg.

DY’s credentials are truly impressive. While he was not able to officially play a single game in the NBA, this hardly matters when you play in the PBA. We have seen imports with NBA experience that have faltered so this is not really any basis to measure the success PBA reinforcements will have in the PBA.

SMB coach Ato Agustin believes he has a gem of an import, possibly someone that the Beermen are looking for. With a practically young team that looks a lot leaner, here is hoping that Coach Ato is correct.

Young’s timing couldn’t have been better. The Beermen are struggling and facing the powerful Alaska Aces is an acid test that can help SMB evaluate if they have indeed hit the jackpot with Young.

All credentials are thrown out the window once they play in the PBA. Some have succeeded and some have not. Hopefully DY will live up to his name and finally change the faltering fortunes of the San Miguel Beermen.