MERALCO is set to bring in a replacement import in Antonio Hester for its next PBA Governors’ Cup game this weekend against Rain or Shine.
Hester, who previously suited up for Terrafirma and Magnolia, is set to arrive on Thursday to replace the injured Jordon Varnado, according to team manager Luigi Trillo.
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The Meralco official said Varnado is dealing with a minor injury and will still stay with the Bolts even with Hester around.
"We got a reserve coming in, si Antonio Hester. Kasi mabilisan lang, so we wanted someone who's familiar with our league. He was available naman. He's arriving tomorrow," said Trillo.
The decision came after the 29-year-old Varnado failed to suit up in Meralco's debut game against Phoenix, which the Bolts lost by the skin of their teeth, 98-97.
Trillo described Varnado's injury as muscle strain.
"We're putting him in the injury/reserved list for now," he said. "I don't know how many days, but he's day-to-day."
Meralco is keeping its fingers crossed Varnado will be able to recover in time and get to play for the team.
He previously suited up for the Bolts in the Basketball Champions League Asia last year.
"Those types of injuries, you never know. And if we forced playing him, it could get worse, And that would be more long term," Trillo said.
"So we're trying to manage his injury now."
Hester, 36, is a muscular power forward who first played for Terrafirma in the 2021-22 Governors' Cup, and then returned a season later for Magnolia during the same conference.
The Dyip didn't make the playoffs with him, while the Hotshots reached the quarterfinals but lost to ironically, Meralco, in their playoffs series.
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