Antonio Hester returned to the PBA on a triumphant note Saturday, helping Meralco pull out a victory over Rain or Shine as its replacement or temporary import.
But whether he’s here to fill in while Jordon Varnado deals with a calf injury or will reinforce the Bolts for the long haul, Hester wants to make sure he makes the most out of it.
‘I know the situation and I understand everything,’ Hester said after posting 21 points and nine rebounds in Meralco’s 122-114 win at Ynares Center.
‘So for me right now, it’s just to come here and do my part, do my job, stay professional,’ he continued. ‘And whenever he (Varnado) gets healthy, whatever decision they make, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the best for the team. And then we just go from there.’
Meralco tapped the former Terrafirma and Magnolia import after Varnado missed Wednesday’s narrow loss to Phoenix at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coach Luigi Trillo said bringing in Hester was intended to bring in someone familiar with the league. Hester played for Terrafirma in the 2022 and 2024 editions of the tournament and for Magnolia in 2023.
‘I was at home with my wife and kids, but I was training, I wasn’t sitting down, I’m always doing something. Me and my family, we’re very active,’ Hester said, recalling how the Bolts opportunity came.
‘I was in Boston actually playing a tournament, and we won the tournament. Then I got home, and then I got the call, and the next day I was on a flight here. So it was very quick.’
Hester and the Bolts are hoping the win would spark good things, especially with the team in a tough Group A that also includes Barangay Ginebra, Rain or Shine, Blackwater and Magnolia.
‘Like I tell people, I love being here in the Philippines, and anytime that I get the call and the opportunity to come here, I’m extremely thankful and I’m always hyped, like I get jitters like a little kid on Christmas day,’ said Hester.
‘I’m just happy and joyful. To be here, I’m very thankful, and I’m happy that they’re happy with me. We’re just going to continue to grow.