Hickerson tapped as Express' 4th import in Fiesta Cup

Air21 is trying to salvage whatever chances left in its slumping PBA Fiesta Cup campaign when it decided to ship out import Reggie Larry and bring in original choice LeRoy Hickerson. A few days after ending a nine-game slide, the Expres felt they have no chance of beating the hottest team in the league if they don’t make drastic changes. And by bringing in Hickerson, the Express made a major change two days before their biggest battle against the Coca-Cola Tigers. Hickerson was supposed to suit up for the Express this conference but got injured because of a freak car accident. Hickerson, who tried out for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA last summer, was a two-time Mexican league Slam Dunk champion. Air21 coach Yeng Guiao believes there's still time for his team to catch up and the quick solution is to find a new import. "He's our original choice," said Guiao of the rim-rattling import who played against veteran PBA import James Penny in the Mexican league. "We need to make quick changes and I am thankful to Mr. Lito Alvarez that he still supported the decision of getting a new import despite what's happening to the team." The Express went on a franchise-worst nine-game losing skein this conference and could barely snap the skid after escaping past Barako Coffee, 99-98. It was only the second win in 12 matches for the Express. Curiously, both victories posted by Air21 in the tournament came at the expense of the Energy Coffee Masters. Hickerson averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game in the 41 games he played for the Halcones UV Xalapa and was chosen as Player of the Year, Guard of the Year and Import Player of the Year by Latinbasket.com. He will arrive Thursday morning and will practice with the team in the afternoon. "He still has at least two sessions before he plunges to action on Friday," said Guiao. - JVP/Rey Joble, GMANews.TV