SEVEN years after his most recent PBA tour of duty, Ricardo Ratliffe resurfaces in the local pro league, taking on a fellow PBA balik-import in George King.
Ratliffe and King will be on the spotlight as Magnolia and Blackwater clash in the 7:30 p.m. mainer in the second play date of the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium Thursday.
It's expected to be an explosive showdown between two of the five returning imports in the tourney, excluding San Miguel Beer's since coach Jorge Gallent is yet to decide on his choice.
The other league veterans are Barangay Ginebra's Justin Brownlee, TNT's Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Hong Kong Eastern's Cameron Clark.
In previous PBA stints, Ratliffe proved to be a monster presence at the paint while King made good impression with his touch from afar and in attacks to the basket during his tenure as Blackwater reinforcement in the recent Governors' Cup.
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Incidentally, Magnolia and Blackwater both logged 5-5 win-loss marks in the last conference.
The record proved enough for the Hotshots to make the playoffs as the fourth seed from Group A behind the TNT Tropang Giga (8-2), the Meralco Bolts (7-3) and the Converge FiberXers (6-4).
With the same card, Blackwater failed to make it past the elims, beaten by NLEX in a tiebreak for fourth spot in Group B. Rain or Shine was No. 1 at 7-3, followed by San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra with identical 6-4 slates.
King came a little late as an import sub to Ricky Ledo, leading the Bossing to five wins against two losses. But his showing was enough to gain the nod of team owner Dioceldo Sy for his return in the Commissioner's Cup.
Since they're in different groups in the Governors' Cup, the Hotshots and the Bossing are to face each other only for the first time.
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Blackwater had its good run in the Governors' Cup with King drawing support from Sedrick Barefield, James Kwekuteye, Bradwyn Guinto, Jewel Ponferrada, Jaydee Tungcab and Tyrus Hills.
For Magnolia, the team got the usual lift from Paul Lee, Mark Barroca, Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, Arios Dionisio while also drawing boost from young forward Zavier Lucero.
They missed the Final Four after a 113-103 loss to the Elasto Painters in a deciding Game Five in the quarterfinals. (SB)
