Star Hotshots bring back Ratliffe

MANILA, Philippines - The Star Hotshots, despite import Tony Mitchell’s strong showing, have decided to bring back former reinforcement Ricardo Ratliffe, fresh from a tour of duty in the Korean league where he powered the Seoul Samsung Thunders to a runner-up finish.

Ratfliffe, Star’s import replacement to Denzel Bowles in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last year, flew in from Seoul Friday and had his first practice session with the Hotshots Sunday.

“We have no problem whatsoever with Tony. It just so happened that Ricardo was our original choice and we just waited for him to complete his commitment in Korea,” said Star coach Chito Victolero.

Mitchell led the Hotshots to a strong 6-2 start in the current Commissioner’s Cup with his averages of 21.25 points, 14.38 rebounds 1.7 assists, 2.8 blocks and 1.0 steals.

“We have no problem even if he’s a foul-prone player. We survived even when he was in foul trouble situation. I just really feel Ricardo will fit better in our team,” said Victolero.

In taking over from Bowles last year, Ratliffe rallied the Hotshots back into contention. Star subsequently made the quarterfinals where, as the eighth-ranked team, it narrowly upset top seed San Miguel Beer.