Magnolia has acted swiftly in addressing its import situation with the PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup quarterfinals just days away.
Not taking any risk in keeping the injured Shabazz Muhammad, the Hotshots are bringing in the seasoned Rayvonte Rice to take his place.
Listed at 6-foot-4, the 32-year-old has arrived in the country and is expected to make his debut on Monday against Converge – barring any hitch.
Coach Chito Victolero had said that switching imports is an option after Bazz sat out versus NorthPort last Friday due to a swollen knee.
(C) PBA Images
Muhammad got hurt during practice.
But just a day after saying as much during the postgame presser of their 110-94 win over the Batang Pier, the Hotshots ultimately decided to make the change.
With this, Magnolia is moving on from the 31-year-old former NBA vet, whose return to the PBA didn’t go smoothly as his FIBA clearance got delayed a bit.
Muhammad only played for a total of two games with the Hotshots versus Terrafirma and TNT, respectively, only splitting those assignments.
Now, the club will have another experienced pro in Rice, who’s played in Italy, France, Iran, Russia, Israel, Japan, Greece, Canada, Taiwan, and China.
Also a former G-League campaigner, the Illinois alumnus most recently played for Liaoning of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
Listed as a guard, Rice also reinforced the Flying Leopards in the inaugural Basketball Champions League Asia held in Dubai just last June.
