By season's end, Maureece Rice was playing as well as anyone in the D-League for the Erie BayHawks.

I understand why Maureece Rice isn’t one of Erie’s returning players for this season.

In between scoring at will on teams last season, Rice and I talked about how he had a daughter to support back in his hometown of Philadelphia.

With the D-League paying peanuts, Rice has opted to play in Mexico for now, Erie BayHawks coach John Treloar said. Rice may end up in Europe later this season.

Since his season in Mexico is shorter than most, Rice would have the option of returning to the D-League. The BayHawks will retain his rights for the entire season so if Rice gives the D-League another shot, he’ll do so in Erie.

Truth is, the guy is good enough to play in the NBA, but at 6-foot-1, he’s got to get better at playing point guard because he’d have a tough time guarding the taller two guards in the NBA.

Then again, his ability to score is unlike any I’ve seen for someone so short and stout at 225 pounds. Rice, who averaged 18.7 points last season, scored at least 33 points in three of his last four games in helping the BayHawks earn a playoff spot in their first year in the league.

So I’d rather see him in the NBA than in Erie, but if he winds up back here, the BayHawks will instantly improve.