Macklin’s exit big blow to Hotshots

Five games are left in Magnolia’s schedule in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup and the Hotshots are reeling from back-to-back losses after original import Vernon Macklin’s exit. Curtis Kelly, whose claim to fame was playing high school basketball with NBA guard Kemba Walker, came in to replace Macklin and couldn’t hold up the flag for Magnolia whose record is now 3-3.

Next up for the Hotshots is Alaska at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight. Then, it’s TNT KaTropa at the MOA Arena on Wednesday, Barangay Ginebra at the Big Dome on June 17, NLEX at the MOA Arena on July 4 and San Miguel Beer at Araneta on July 7. The last four placers in the single round-robin eliminations will miss the playoffs.

Macklin, 31, led Magnolia to a 3-1 start, averaging 21 points, 13.3 rebounds and 38.3 minutes. He didn’t deliver eye-popping stats but his presence alone was enough for the Hotshots to create serious problems for opponents in the paint. Then, Macklin got an offer to play for Wuhan in the Chinese second division National Basketball League (NBL) on a guaranteed contract. “Vernon accepted the China job and explained to the (Magnolia) bosses that this is good for him and his family,” said Macklin’s local agent Sheryl Reyes. “It may open doors for the (first division) CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) in November because the NBL is the second league and the CBA scouts from there.”

Reyes said Macklin played in Korea before the PBA and signed a month-to-month contract with Magnolia. “After the first month, the China offer came then we asked permission from Magnolia not to renew the second month but since the team needed an import for the coming games, he stayed until May 19,” she said. “Vernon did very well in Korea. But since Korea now has a height limit for imports, he can’t go back next year so this China opportunity will be good for him because it’s only a short conference in the PBA.”

Macklin suited up for Liaoning in the CBA in 2013 but lasted only seven games. Reyes said Macklin hopes to make a CBA comeback via the NBL. Macklin was the Detroit Pistons’ second round pick in the 2011 NBA draft after playing for Georgetown and Florida in the NCAA. Macklin took Ginebra to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals in 2013 and saw action on the unbeaten Mighty Sports team that represented the Philippines in winning the 2016 Jones Cup.

Macklin’s replacement was a letdown. Kelly, who was recommended by Macklin, tried his best on the floor but couldn’t deliver the numbers in Magnolia’s 99-96 overtime setback to Rain Or Shine and 86-84 loss to Blackwater. Kelly previously played as an import in Israel, Italy, Turkey, Lebanon and France so his sub-standard performance in the PBA was surprising. 

Magnolia will now go with Justin Jackson against Alaska. Jackson, 27, was recommended by San Miguel import Renaldo Balkman. Reyes said she scouted Jackson, who is Balkman’s best friend, three years ago but isn’t his agent. Jackson measured 6-6 5/16 in the PBA’s official sizing.

Jackson played four years with the University of Cincinnati varsity and averaged 11.1 points and 7.3 rebounds as a senior in 2013-14. He went to the NCAA Sweet 16 once with the Bearcats and played in Finland, Poland, Greece, Israel and Slovakia before moving to the PBA. In Slovakia, Jackson averaged 11.7 points and 7.4 rebounds in 12 games, scoring 23 points twice. Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin said Jackson plays with a lot of heart. “He’s an exciting player for the fans,” said Cronin. He’s a typical high-energy Bearcat guy. He will do what it takes to win and he’s an excellent shooter.” Writer Michael Bradley said Jackson “is athletic, plays with a high motor and is solid in the high post.”