Bolts recruit Ignite stalwart

National Basketball Association G League standout Jessie Govan is set to arrive to reinforce Meralco in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner's Cup.

Bolts team manager broke the news to Daily Tribune, saying that the 6-foot-10 Govan is scheduled to arrive on Thursday to replace former NBA journeyman Johnny O'Bryant.

A 6-foot-10 slotman, Govan is bringing in massive experience after playing in Asian countries like Japan and Korea before campaigning for Team Ignite – the former team of Filipino sensation Kai Sotto in the NBA G League.

Although he went undrafted in the 2019 NBA Draft, he signed up for San-en NeoPhoenix and the Kyoto Hannaryz in the Japanese B. League before suiting up for Seoul Samsung Thunder in the Korean League.

Then, he joined Ignite before playing for the Indios de Mayaguez in Puerto Rico and returning to the G League.

"He will be arriving Thursday," said Trillo during a telephone conversation.

"We just closed the deal with him on Tuesday morning, but we made sure that everything is settled from boarding a plane to getting here."

The Bolts replaced O'Bryant, one of the league's most high-profile imports, after they won only once in six games.

Meralco head coach Norman Black didn't waste any time and informed O'Bryant on Monday that he will be replaced.

O'Bryant, who played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Denver Nuggets and the Charlotte Hornets, averaged 26 points, 14.5 rebounds, five assists and 1.3 steals per game, in six games he played for the Bolts, but those numbers were not enough to translate to victories.

He is scheduled to join the Shanghai Sharks in the Chinese Basketball Association next month.

Trillo said they were looking at some other names to come over and play, but Govan is the best available at this time.

Scouts described Govan as a solid post player with decent touch from the perimeter.