TERRAFIRMA expects new import Antonio Hester to be in the same mold as former Dyip reinforcements Lester Prosper and Khapri Alston.
Head coach Johnedel Cardel said Hester is a perfect fit for the Dyip, being a 'team player' who can complement the locals.
“Team player itong import na ‘to,” said Cardel of the former Miami Dade and University of Mobile standout. “Ang hinahanap ko kasi ‘yung makakatulong sa locals… Eto ‘yung tipong tutulong, magshe-share ng assists, sa rebounds, sa depensa, at sa puntos kapag kailangan.”
The Dyip played decently during their last two import-laced conferences with Prosper and Alston, who both fell just short of a playoff appearance during the 2019 Commissioner’s and Governors’ Cups.
Team player
Cardel hopes that Hester, a Miami native, will bring more of the same to the Dyip in the Governors’ Cup unfolding either in late November or early December.
“Lahat naman ng mga import na kinuha ko mga hindi kilala pero nag-excel naman. Like si Lester Prosper, kinuha rin ng San Miguel [for the EASL] tapos naging naturalized player ng Indonesia. Si Khapri Alston, nakilala rin,” said Cardel.
The 31-year-old Hester spent the past few years in Iceland where became known for his double-double numbers during games.
Hester is currently undergoing quarantine.
“Excited maglaro dito sa Pilipinas,” said Cardel of Hester. “Nabalitaan niya ‘yung PBA kung gaano kalakas ang liga sa atin. Kapag naglaro dito, nakikilala.”
The Dyip are coming off a 4-7 win-loss campaign in the Philippine Cup, only missing the quarterfinals in the quotient tiebreak. They acquired Alex Cabagnot from San Miguel in exchange of Simon Enciso in the season break.
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