Talk 'N Text, looking for a solid inside presence, is bringing in European League veteran Eric Hicks as its reinforcement in the coming Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference, which opens on March 21 at the Araneta Coliseum.

Hicks is a former University of Cincinatti standout who saw action for the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics in the NBA Summer League.

The 6-foot-6, 240-lb. Hicks is described by United States scouts as an explosive and athletic swingman in a big man’s body. He was a member of the 2007 Telindus BC Oostende team that won the championship in the Belgian League.

Hicks was also the top shot blocker with two per game and fourth in rebounding with an average of 7.5 per outing in the 2007-08 Polish League.

While the other teams have already chosen their import, Coca-Cola has yet to name its reinforcement that would lead the Tigers’ campaign in the Fiesta Cup.

The Tigers allowed Jason Forte, brother of former Boston Celtics and Seattle Supersonics guard Joseph Forte, to try out for them but decided to get old reliable James Penny.

Coca-Cola, however, remained without an import after Penny, who was supposed to join the Tigers in a recent trip to Dubai, decided to look into other offers from him in another league.

Other teams that already have an import are Air21 (Leroy Hickerson), Alaska (Diamon Simpson), San Miguel (Gabe Freeman), Rain or Shine (Jai Lewis), Ginebra (Awvee Storey) and Sta. Lucia (Anthony Johnson).

Barako Bull and Purefoods are the other squads that have yet to name its reinforcement. – GMANews.TV