MANILA, Philippines – Antonio Hester, a PBA reinforcement, is making a comeback to Terrafirma as the Dyip’s import for the Governors’ Cup, which kicks off on August 18.

After Brandon Edwards’ injury, the hefty yet shifty Hester was able to sign on for a third tour of service in Asia’s first professional basketball league.

It’s a race against time for Dyip to locate a substitute reinforcement after Edwards tore his ACL during Tuesday’s tune-up game against the Meralco Bolts.

The sturdy immigrant from America, Antonio Hester, happened to be free when Terrafirma Dyip needed him. According to those close to Hester, he was excited about playing in the PBA again. Reportedly, he expressed happiness to be back with the squad because it was his first PBA home. Hester was reportedly preparing his vacation arrangements, despite not having arrived in the Philippines yet. Officials from the team recalled his spectacular Governors’ Cup performance three years prior with Terrafirma, where he averaged 28.10 points and 12.60 rebounds. Hester’s physical presence and basketball intelligence impressed the coach, who anticipated that he would have a good effect on the team’s success in the next competition.

The next season, he went back to the PBA and played for the Magnolia Hotshots, replacing Eric McCree. In eight games, he averaged 27.88 points and 15.75 rebounds, but he was unable to lead his fifth-seeded team past the quarterfinal round as they lost 113-107 in overtime to the twice-to-beat Bolts.

On Antonio Hester

Antonio Hester has played basketball all over the world, but in recent years, he has shown a special liking for the Philippine league. The American player, who is well-known for his talent and adaptability, is starting to recognize faces in the PBA and other Asian competitions.

Hester joined Terrafirma Dyip of the PBA in November 2021, marking the start of his Philippine adventure. This was the beginning of a reoccurring relationship that I would have with Philippine basketball. Hester returned to the PBA limelight in December 2022 following a brief spell with the ASEAN Basketball League’s Zamboanga Valientes.

Hester replaced Erik McCree as an import player for the Magnolia Hotshots in February 2023, when they played in the 2023 PBA Governors’ Cup. During this shift, his ability to swiftly adjust to different clubs and leagues proved to be crucial.

Hester ironically came full circle in August 2024 when he rejoined Terrafirma Dyip, his old Philippine squad. He proved to be a dependable go-to import player when he was asked to step in for the injured Brandon Edwards for the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Hester’s worldwide career was already great, and her victory in the Philippines just makes it better. Among his many honors are winning the Icelandic Basketball Cup and being awarded the Örvalsdeild Karla Foreign Player of the Year in Iceland in 2018. Hester had already created a name for himself in Peru, where he won the Peruvian League in 2014 and was awarded MVP of the LEB Catalan Finals in Spain.

These accomplishments, along with his 2012 NAIA Third-Team All-American selection, show that this athlete has consistently delivered excellent performance in a variety of basketball environments. Hester’s trajectory—from collegiate standout to worldwide basketball wanderer to returning star in Philippine basketball—illustrates both the flexibility of gifted players and the sport’s global reach.

Fans and observers will be closely observing Hester as he plays for Terrafirma Dyip in the 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup to see how this experienced player changes the basketball scene in the Philippines once more.

Hester’s return to Terrafirma Dyip is a big deal for the squad and for his career. His track record of accomplishments with the team and his exposure to other countries make him an invaluable asset for the forthcoming PBA Governors’ Cup. Fans and club management are looking forward to seeing what kind of effect Hester will have on the court as he gets ready to put on the Terrafirma shirt once more.