Star eyeing to bring back Bowles or Mays next conference

MANILA, Philippines -- A day after Star’s heartbreaking quarterfinal defeat to Barangay Ginebra on Christmas Day, the Hotshots have set their eyes on bringing back former Best Import Denzel Bowles or James Mays.

Star board governor Rene Pardo said he understands how disappointed the fans were on the Hotshots’ struggles in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup, which ended in a swift playoff exit at the hands of the Kings.

No wonder, team manager Alvin Patrimonio is busy talking with agents this Holiday season, hopeful they could strike a deal soon so their import prospect could fly in early next month.

“We have Denzel and James Mays high on our wish list of possible imports for next conference kaya hinahanap sila ngayon ni Alvin. We want someone who is already familiar with the team and the players, eh sana available,” Pardo told Philstar.com on Saturday.

Bowles is a familiar figure for Star fans, having led the Purefoods franchise to the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup championship, eventually earning the Best Import award.

The former James Madison University star returned in 2013 and last season, helping Star reach the semifinals in his comeback stints.

On the other hand, the 6-foot-8 Mays led San Mig (Star’s former name) to the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup championship after beating Talk ‘N Text, 3-1 in the Finals.

Pardo said Bowles and Mays are currently playing overseas, but they are keeping their fingers crossed as they get in touch with the two.

“If ever, siguro we’ll try to bring our import in the second or third week of January para ma-acclimatize na agad,” he said.

The sweet-shooting Bowles played for the Denver Nuggets in the recent NBA Summer League. He is currently seeing action for the Marinos de Anzoategui in the 2015-16 Venezuelan league where he has averaged 19.5 points and 12 rebounds in two games thus far.

Marinos is a 10-time champion in Venezuela’s Liga Profesional de Baloncesto and has ruled the league the last two years.

Mays, meanwhile, is coming off a stint with Enel Brindisi in the Italian league where he normed 13.6 points and 9.4 rebounds in 25 games.