May 05, 2024

PBA: Ginebra signs David Murell as Philippine Cup playoffs loom

PBA: Ginebra signs David Murell as Philippine Cup playoffs loom
David Murell could be just what the doctor ordered for Ginebra. Photo (c) PBA

David Murell is now a Gin King.

This was after Ginebra signed Murell, a free agent from Magnolia, on Thursday, April 25, per the PBA’s official website.

With the league prohibiting direct transactions between sister teams, Murell was first offered to other teams.

Meanwhile, Jared Dillinger was relegated to the unrestricted free agent list.

The former Slam Dunk champion is a big boost for a team that has been riddled with injuries after Jamie Malonzo hurt his left calf, and Jeremiah Gray (knee) and Aljon Mariano (ankle) still recovering from their injuries.

Since Malonzo’s injury, Tim Cone had been looking for a winger who could plug the holes left by the said Gin Kings.

“We don’t have a 3-man on the roster except for maybe Ralph (Cu). Ralph is trying to fit in there at this point,” said Cone, whose team holds a 6-3 win-loss record.

“But he’s not a defensive 3. He’s more of a stretch 4. [So] it’s a big gap between our 4 man and our 2 man so we’re looking for help.”

[RELATED STORY: Ginebra coach Tim Cone looking to plug holes after slew of injuries to Gin Kings]

The search was over on Thursday.

Now Murell is set to reinforce the Gin Kings who are eyeing a twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.

He will play his first game in a Ginebra uniform next Saturday, April 27, against Converge in Cagayan de Oro.