MAGNOLIA is bringing in a new import rich in European basketball experience for next month’s PBA Governors Cup.
Erik McCree, the 29-year-old product of Louisiana Tech, will be reinforcing the Hotshots in the season-ending meet tentatively to start on Jan. 22.
Coach Chito Victolero confirmed the signing of McCree on Wednesday.
“He’s arriving on Jan. 3,” said the Magnolia mentor, adding the team will start practicing by Jan. 5.
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McCree spent most of his six-year pro career playing in Europe for VL Pesaro (Italy), BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque (France), Bakken Bears (Denmark), Peristeri (Greece), and Gaziantep Basketbol (Turkey).
But he also had stints with Sioux Falls and Salt Lake City Stars in the NBA G League, and played briefly for the Utah Jazz in the 2017-18 season.
He was tapped by the Shiga Lakes in the Japan B. League, but didn’t play for the ballclub.
“Hindi siya natuloy (maglaro) dito sa amin,” said Shiga Filipino point guard Kiefer Ravena.
The Hotshots came a win short of reaching the Governors’ Cup finals last season behind former Best Import Mike Harris, but lost to Tony Bishop and the Meralco Bolts in the deciding Game 5 of the semifinals, 94-81.
In the Commissioner’s Cup, Magnolia tapped Serbian Nick Rakocevic, but likewise fell short of reaching the finals after losing its semis series against Barangay Ginebra in four games.
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