IT’S a short-lived PBA stint for Curtis Kelly.
The Magnolia import has played his final game for the Hotshots after the team absorbed an 86-84 loss to Blackwater Elite Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
It was the second straight setback for the Hotshots with Curtis at the helm, dropping Magnolia’s record to an even 3-3 record.
Curtis will be replaced by Justin Jackson out of Cincinnati.
Coach Chito Victolero refused to talk to reporters about another import change, but team insiders confirmed that Jackson is in and Curtis is out.
“Last game na niya ito,” said one Magnolia insider. “It’s a short elimination round, at dalawang sunod na talo malaking effect na agad sa team standings.”
Jackson arrived in the country on Wednesday morning, but couldn’t suit up for the Hotshots outright as teams should notify the league at least 24 hours before game time about changes in their roster.
Listed at 6-foot-9, the 27-year-old Jackson is fresh from his stint with Rieker KN ballclub in Slovakia. He's e.xpected to play his first game for the franchise on Sunday against Alaska.
He will be the third import of the Hotshots this conference after Kelly and Vernon Macklin.
The 30-year-old Kelly finished with 12 points (6-of-11) and nine rebounds, but with six turnovers in 38 minutes of play for his final outing with the Hotshots.
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