Bolts, FiberXers deal with import issue

MANILA, Philippines — In an import-flavored conference, a team’s success is often dependent on how well its reinforcement fits in and how healthy he stays for the long haul.

So when an import falls short of expectations or gets slowed down by injury, it becomes a big concern for the affected ball club.

Barely a week into the PBA Governors’ Cup, some squads are already dealing with such issues.

For Meralco, bringing in a replacement for Jordon Varnado, who sat it out as the Bolts dropped a close 97-98 loss to Phoenix Wednesday due to muscle strain, is an urgent task.

Team manager Paolo Trillo said the Bolts have tapped Antonio Hester, formerly with Magnolia and Terrafirma, to take over at the moment.

“We got a reserve coming in Antonio Hester. Kasi mabilisan lang so we wanted someone who’s familiar with our league. He was available,” said Trillo of Hester, who is set to debut in Meralco’s next gig tomorrow against Rain or Shine.

Varnado, according to Trillo, goes to the Bolts’ injured/reserve list for now.

“I don’t know how many days, but he’s day-to-day. Those types of injuries, you never know. And if we forced playing him, it could get worse. And that would be more long term. So we’re trying to manage his injury now.”

For Converge, it’s the form of Jalen Hudson that needs to be addressed now. After a 20-point production in the FiberXers’ 105-74 rout of import-less Titan Ultra last week, Hudson accounted for only two markers on a woeful 1-of-14 shooting as they survived a scare against Terrafirma, 105-103, Wednesday.

“Bigyan pa natin ng pagkakataon. Last game nag-perform naman,” coach Delta Pineda said.

Hudson’s struggles brought back bitter memories of Converge’s Commissioner’s Cup bust, where it couldn’t count on seven-foot Kylor Kelley for offensive impact.

“Nakikita ninyo ba ‘yung magkamukha nung last conference at ngayon?” Pineda said. “Maybe yung import namin right now hindi makuha yung rhythm niya for this game. So ‘yun ang nawawala sa amin, yung score nitong import.”

The onus is on Hudson to respond to the challenge as the FiberXers go for 3-0 today against Macau (0-2) in Group A action at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.