Magnolia is one of the hottest teams in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup and it hopes it can keep the fire burning even with a new import.
With prolific import Vernon Macklin now gone to seek greener pastures, the Hotshots are now looking to depend on incoming new reinforcement Curtis Kelly.
After a week of searching for Macklin’s replacement, Magnolia decided to tap the 6’10” Kelly, who was a 2011 NBA Draft aspirant.
The product of Kansas State last played for Israel and is expected to arrive this Monday to immediately join his team in practice.
He will make his debut on June 2 when his streaking new team faces league-leader Rain or Shine.
After losing its opening assignment, the Hotshots, with much help from Macklin, were able to gain steam right away and rack up three in a row to hike their record to 3-1 and put themselves near the top.
Macklin decided to take a guaranteed contract in China, orphaning Magnolia in the process.
Meanwhile, Beau Belga ruled the big men edition of the Obstacle Challenge, edging JP Erram and Gabby Espinas in the Finals of the 2018 PBA All-Star Week Friday here at Batangas City Sports Center.
The Rain or Shine center clocked in a time of 21.7 seconds as he made a flawless run in the championship round.
“Kumbaga, na-challenge ako kasi defenfing champion ang teammate ko,” Belga said, referring to fellow Elasto Painter Maverick Ahanmisi who ruled the competition last year.
“Sabi ko lang, I’ll try. Sa akin naman, wag lang ma-out sa first round.”
Erram came in second with his 29.6-second time, while Espinas finished the track in 30.5 seconds.
Belga took home the P30,000 cash prize.
