Chito Victolero to quickly assess Erik McCree as import change looms for Magnolia

Erik McCree may have played his last game with Magnolia. PBA Images

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Magnolia coach Chito Victolero said that the coaching staff will take one last look at Erik McCree before deciding if the team will bring in a new import for the PBA Governors' Cup.

This is as the Purefoods franchise fell to an early 0-3 slump in the season-ending conference following a loss to sister team San Miguel on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

"This is the time that we need to think. Pag-uusapan ng mga coaches yan," Victolero said.

McCree's struggles against the Beermen, where he was held to only 13 points on 4-of-18 shooting including 1-for-10 from long range, could factor in the quick evaluation of his stint with the Hotshots.

"We'll try to assess him within the next 24 hours, and we will decide if we will stay with him or we'll choose a new import," Victolero further said.

Victolero kept mum on the identity of the McCree's possible replacement, but according to a report from Spin.PH's Gerry Ramos, Magnolia is now considering bringing in Antonio Hester

Hester, Terrafirma's import last year, is currently with Zamboanga for the ABL Invitational, but team owner Junnie Navarro is reportedly willing to let the bruising forward return to the Philippines quickly if he gets a PBA call-up.

The Hotshots will only get to play again on Friday against the Phoenix Fuel Masters at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, which means they have ample time to teach Hester Victolero's system should he make a PBA return.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno