Llamados fly to Dubai with new import Darnell Hinson in tow

MANILA—Not even Sunday’s spectacular second-half performance could save Stefhon Hannah.

B-Meg left for Dubai Monday and brought along Darnell Hinson, who will suit up as the Llamados’ import when they clash with Talk ‘N Text in an official PBA Governors’ Cup game slated in that oil-rich emirate.

“I was impressed,” B-Meg coach Jorge Gallent told reporters after seeing Hinson for the first time. “He’s a point guard who can also play the two (off guard). He’s certainly much better than Stefhon Hannah.”

The Llamados have a 2-2 record, with both their losses to Rain or Shine and Barangay Ginebra pinned mainly on Hannah, who could do no better than a combined 26 points.

With his job on the line Sunday night, Hannah scored all of his 23 points in the second half and guided the Llamados to a 104-92 win over Meralco in San Juan.

But Gallent has his reasons for enlisting Hinson, a Northeastern State University product with a lot of international pro experience. Prior to coming over, Hinson saw action in the Puerto Rican league.

“He’s stocky so even when bumped, he can still go to the basket, unlike Hannah,” Gallent said as his squad gets a crack at stopping the Talk ‘N Text juggernaut that has so far waylaid three foes in convincing fashion.

Returning for the Llamados is beanpole Rafi Reavis, who is expected to provide the much-needed ceiling in order to counter Talk ‘N Text’s speed.

Scheduled at the Al Shabab Sports Club, the game between the Llamados and the Grand Slam-seeking Tropang Texters tips off at 7 p.m., Dubai time (about 11 p.m. in Manila).

The Texters, who are playing two games in Dubai, battles the Gin Kings the next day.

Jimmy Alapag is likely to be 100-percent fit for both contests after sitting out a game because of a severe ankle sprain sustained in their tournament debut, a 26-point blowout of the Alaska Aces. Alapag played briefly against Powerade in Digos last Saturday.