Magnolia has let go of Nuni Omot in what appears to be a desperate attempt to stop itself from spiraling further in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
Winless after three games into the midseason tourney, the Hotshots feel that a change of import could help address their struggles, having brought in Clint Chapman to take the place of the former Olympian.
The move comes despite head coach LA Tenorio saying that the problem “is not all about the import,” on the heels of their 97-91 loss to Robert Upshaw III and Blackwater just last Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Judging from that game alone, Omot himself showed that he’s not the issue. He finished with 38 points behind an efficient 15-of-22 shooting from the field, on top of seven rebounds and nine assists — though against six turnovers.
It was, in fact, his best performance since coming into the league, and his job appeared secured after what Tenorio told members of the press.
(C) PBA Images
That, however, would prove to be his last game with Magnolia, as the coaches and management decided to part ways with the South Sudanese star.
Now, they’re ready to turn over a new page in what’s been a horrendous campaign, hoping to author a better story ahead with Chapman, who’s coming off a stint with CS Antonine in the paused Lebanese Basketball League.
Listed at 6-foot-10 and able play inside and outside as well, the former Texas Longhorn has been playing professionally since 2012. He has had stints in Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, Germany, Italy, and parts of West Asia.
The Medford, Oregon native has actually been playing in that region since 2022, and has spent about three seasons competing in the prestigious FIBA West Asia Super League with clubs from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Now, Chapman is set to play in East Asia for the first time in eight years, or since he suited up for the Toyama Grouses of the B.League in 2018.
Chapman arrived in the Philippines and has already shown up in Magnolia’s practice on Tuesday, Tiebreaker Times learned.
With this, he’s expected to make his PBA debut this Saturday. March 28, when the Hotshots take on the winless Macau at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
