PBA: Jordon Varnado returns as Meralco import vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines–Meralco is bringing back import Jordon Varnado ahead of its crucial 2026 PBA Governors’ Cup game against rival Barangay Ginebra on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Bolts notified the league of the change before Thursday’s 12 noon deadline, paving the way for Varnado to be activated in lieu of Antonio Hester after being sidelined with a left calf strain.

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Under PBA rules, Varnado is eligible to return since he was listed as the team’s original import before the start of the conference.

Varnado didn’t see action during Meralco’s 98-96 loss to Phoenix in its first game of the conference.

That prompted Meralco to bring in Hester, who previously had two stints with Terrafirma and one with Magnolia.

Hester played six games and made a good account of himself, but the Bolts struggled during that stretch and are now holding a 2-5 record–dead last in Group B.

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He is no longer eligible to return if Meralco decides to replace Varnado in the future.

With Varnado, Meralco is hoping to change its fortunes, though it has no other recourse but to beat Ginebra and its final two assignments, which will be played in October after the long break.