Mahindra enlists Gilchrist with Ramos, Hamady unavailable

MANILA, Philippines -- With PJ Ramos and Hamady N’Diaye unavailable, the Mahindra Enforcers opted to enlist NBA D-League veteran Augustus Gilchrist as their import in the coming PBA Commissioner's Cup.

The news was confirmed by Gilchrist's agent Sheryl Reyes to Philstar.com on Tuesday.

"Mahindra just signed Augustus Gilchrist. He last played for Cyprus and played in the NBA D-League, Hamady is currently playing in Israel and was unavailable to come back so they decided to select Augustus," Reyes said.

Ramos, meanwhile, was busy in China at the time Mahindra was checking at their options. 

Gilchrist has a large shoes to fill as the 7-foot-4 Ramos, who played in the NBA and Puerto Rico national team, averaged monster numbers of 35.9 points and 21.2 rebounds in for Kia during last season’s Commissioner’s Cup while N’Diaye proved to be defensive gem averaging a league-best 5.3 blocks to go with 17.6 points, 15.2 rebounds in the Governors’ Cup.

Listed as 6-foot-10, Gilchrist is expected to give the much needed ceiling which coach Chito Victolero hopes would be the perfect complement to his core of LA Revilla, Aldrech Ramos, Karl Dehesa, KG Canaleta and rookie big man Bradwyn Guinto.

"He is very excited and can't wait to come and play here," said Reyes. 

Gilchrist played college ball at University of South Florida where he averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks a game while shooting 49% from the field and 48% from 3-point range in his junior season, his best year in the US NCAA.

He played for the Iowa Energy for two years in the D League averaging 6.9 points and 4.3 rebounds after going undrafted in the NBA in 2012. 

Gilchrist is also looking forward to play against his Iowa teammate Othyus Jeffers, who will suit up for Brgy. Ginebra. 

Reyes said Gilchrist is arriving on January 10, the same day as the arrival of his other ward and former PBA Best Import Rob Dozier (Alaska).