MANILA – The Magnolia Hotshots are changing their import for the second time in the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup.
After starting the mid-season conference at 0-3, the Hotshots have decided to get a new reinforcement in Clint Chapman.
Chapman replaces Paris Olympian Nuni Omot, who came in as a last-minute replacement for Terrence Brown Soares.
The Hotshots shared a video of Chapman on Friday wearing a Magnolia practice jersey during training.
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According to a report on the PBA website, Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio is optimistic Chapman will be able to quickly adjust after arriving Monday evening.
"Mga nasa 70 percent pa lang, at the most, kondisyon niya, kasi nga 37 (years old) na rin at mga tatlong linggong bakante," Tenorio said.
"But what I like about him, is the experience na kailangan ng team ko. Kailangan namin ng experienced leader, especially on the defensive side. Sana matulungan niya kami. Medyo payat, pero very smart. Walang sayang na galaw," he added.
The 6-foot-10 forward played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns and went undrafted in the 2012 NBA Draft.
Chapman played for various club teams in Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Lebanon.
Tenorio is counting on Chapman to carry the team defensively and make impact, as they seek their breakthrough win.
"I’m just worried about gusto ko lang makita itong mga players ko na nag-iimprove talaga. Hindi kami pwedeng puro panalo na hindi naman kami nag-iimprove, di ba? Na hahabulin lang namin ang panalo," he said.
"We cannot worry about Macau. I’m just worried about the team, kung paano kami mag-iimprove, paano namin i-improve ‘yung mga kailangan naming i-improve as team, like rebounding, offensive rebounding, depensa. Iyan ang tinutukan ko buong linggo," the eight-time PBA champion added.
Chapman and Magnolia will take on the Macau Black Knights, who are also seeking their first victory.
The Hotshots and the Black Knights will clash on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.