TNT Texters’ first-choice import goes over ceiling

Detroit Pistons forward Jason Maxiell, 54, shoots past New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony during their NBA basketball game at the 02 arena in London, Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013. AP FILE PHOTO

TROPANG TNT will have to settle for “Plan B” for the coming PBA Governors’ Cup after Jason Maxiell, a long-time NBA veteran touted to be one of the best imports for the season-ending conference, was measured to be way over the 6-foot-5 height limit yesterday.

The former University of Cincinnati standout was measured to be 11/16th of an inch over the limit, leaving Tropang Texters officials and coaching staff scrounging for a replacement with the season-ending tournament to open, tentatively, on July 15.

Maxiell, based on statistics, could have been the barometer of imports for the tournament, having had 10 years of NBA experience while being a vital part of the Detroit Pistons’ first-eight rotation since 2005.

Drafted 26th overall in 2005, Maxiell was waived by the Charlotte Hornets at the end of the 2014 season, cutting short his NBA career. He then packed his bags and played for the Tianjin Ronggang in China.

Defending champion San Miguel Beer is also hoping that Arizona Reid, a former Best Import winner with Rain or Shine, can lead them to another championship.

Meanwhile, the Elasto Painters have signed up Dior Lowhorn in a bid to win the franchise’s first back-to-back championships. A low-scoring Pierre Henderson-Niles led them to the Commissioner’s Cup title by effectively manning the middle.

Henderson-Niles averaged less than twin digits in scoring and thus became the lowest-scoring import to ever win a championship for his PBA ballclub.

But his willingness to give his local teammates the offensive limelight proved key for the Painters as coach Yeng Guiao was able to maximize the talent of his well-balanced core.

Lowhorn can score a lot better but is also a fierce inside player, something which the Painters need to again contend with the likes of Barangay Ginebra and San Miguel.