Balkman replaces Gillenwater as SMB import

The six-foot-eight forward is set for his official comeback in the PBA, replacing Troy Gillenwater as San Miguel’s import for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup. (Photo by ASEAN Basketball League via PNA)

MANILA — Renaldo Balkman is back in the PBA.

The six-foot-eight forward is set for his official comeback in the PBA, replacing Troy Gillenwater as San Miguel’s import for the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.

The development was first announced by his agent, Sheryl Reyes, and confirmed by team manager Gee Abanilla.

“SMC has decided to take a different direction and tap the services of Balkman in lieu of Gillenwater,” Abanilla said in a statement.

Balkman, a former NBA first-round pick, became well-known in the PBA for the wrong reason as he held Arwind Santos’ neck during the Beermen’s — formerly the Petron Blaze Boosters — 2013 game against Alaska as the latter was trying to pacify the former, who could not contain his emotions that time.

Then commissioner Chito Salud handed a lifetime ban on Balkman for the action, but current league head Willie Marcial, following a consultation with Salud, lifted the ban after seeing Balkman doing good conduct with Alab Pilipinas in the ABL.

SMB holds the rights to Balkman, making him eligible to become its replacement import.

Balkman will make his return on Saturday night at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City, interestingly against Alaska, the team that witnessed Balkman’s infamous moment.