FOCUSED SINCE DAY 1

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The youngest import to fly into the country for the 2014 PLDT Home TVolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Talk ‘N Text’s Richard Howell isn’t the favorite to win the Bobby Parks Best Import award for nothing.

But the frontrunner to the plum said, “I’ve heard about it, but I’m not really focused on it.”

“I want to win a championship. The Best Import award, only one individual wins but with a championship, the whole team wins, so that’s what we want to get,” said Howell.

After topping the statistical points leaderboard going into the semis, the 23-year-old center just added another achievement in his PBA checklist, and that is towing the Tropang Texters to the Finals with a 99-91 Game 3 victory over Rain or Shine.

“It was a good comeback for Richard Howell who had his best game in the series,” said coach Norman Black. “He did a much better job offensively for us at the beginning of the game which helped us a lot.”

Though norming double-doubles in the first two games of the series, going for 14 points and 22 rebounds in Game 1, and having a measly 12 markers and 11 boards in Game 2, Howell came out roaring right at the opening buzzer of Game 3 as he pounded the Rain or Shine bigs down low.

The 6-foot-8 North Carolina State alumnus finished with 26 points and 19 rebounds as he paced the Tropa in the series-clinching victory.

“It was a matter of me coming out and playing out of foul,” Howell said. “In the first games, I think I got in foul trouble which slowed me down. So this game, I just wanted to be aggressive and not foul and I think I did.”

Playing against a hurting Rain or Shine squad, Howell said that their focus remained on their team despite the disadvantages for their opposition.

“Our game plan was to see who is playing. We wanted to go out there and play like everyone of them is going to play,” he said. “We don’t want to take them lightly ‘cause they’re a dangerous team. They showed they were fighting and they didn’t want to go home, trying to force another game. We respect them for coming out and playing even though they’re hurting, and still finished the whole game, especially Wayne Chism.”

Though a lot of people are applauding Talk ‘N Text for their unprecedented run, tying their longest franchise’s winning streak set back in the 2010 Fiesta Conference, Howell said that they’re just like those thorough-bred racehorses, their eyes solely focused on the prize since day one.

“We’re not gunning for 13 wins. We’re gunning for the championship. A lot of people are talking about the streak, and it’s a good streak, but at the same time, we’re not satisfied. Three more games to get it done. We need to take care of business like what we did tonight and we’ll be alright,” he said.

With the Tropa now waiting for their Finals date, Howell opted to just stay in his comfort zone and keep his toes in check.

“This is the PBA. Anything can happen, but for sure, it’s going to be a good battle whoever we play in the Finals,” he said. “I’m sure that it’s  going to be a good battle.” (RL)

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