Balik-import Hickerson to suit up for Barako Bull replacing Peterson

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Barako Bull has tapped a familiar face, LeRoy Hickerson, to replace the struggling Jamine Peterson.

The Energy has sent notice to the PBA that Hickerson will reinforce the team in its match against the Petron Blaze Boosters on Friday. The import is scheduled to fly in Friday morning before coming in for height measurements at the PBA office. The Governors’ Cup sets a height limit of 6-foot-5 for reinforcements.

“Although nakapaglaro na siya before sa Air 21, kailangan pa rin siyang sakutan,” said a source from the league, who requested anonymity.

Hickerson first suited up for the franchise in 2010, when the team still carried the brand of the Air 21 Express. He tallied 32.8 points, 14.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in six games in his first PBA stint.

Peterson is coming off an atrocious outing in Barako Bull’s loss to B-MEG last Friday, scoring just four points.

Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi expressed his dissatisfaction with Peterson’s performance after the game.

“It seems magkaiba kami ng philosophy ng import namin,” Baculi said. “I want him to play defense, but he’s more concentrated on scoring. He has been scouted by opponents very well and we want him top contribute on defense. Unfortunately, that’s not the case.”

Hickerson, meanwhile, is fresh from a stint in the Venezuelan League where he went up against current Powerade import Omar Sneed.

In 25 games with Bucaneros in the Venezuelan League, Hickerson averaged 18.6 points and 5.4 rebounds.

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