GOOD START FOR BARAKO BULL
In a unique reinforced conference which pits NBA veterans, former Best Import awardees, and balik-imports, it was the second-generation one who struck the first gold.
Eric Wise, son of former import Francois Wise, drew first blood in the 2014 PLDT Home Telpad PBA Governors’ Cup as he led Barako Bull to a 95-94 win over Meralco Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“He’s not the flashiest import. He might not have the best credentials, but somehow, so far, malalaman mo lang yung import pag talagang game na eh,” said Barako Bull coach Siot Tanquingcen.
Drawing comparisons from his Dad, who played in the PBA from 1981 to 1987 for four squads, namely U-Tex, Tanduay, Manila Beer, and Hills Brothers, the younger Wise proved that credentials are only good to look at on paper as he outwitted NBA vet Terrence Williams to finish with 33 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
The numbers in Eric’s debut game is reminiscent of the career averages of the elder Wise in his five seasons in the pro league, as the patriarch normed 36.7 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and 1.1 steals in 118 games, not to mention Francois’ place in the annals of the PBA history books, being the number six all-time in points scored among imports with 4,332 points, and number seven in career rebounds with 1,769 boards.
“I don’t know if I can rebound like him like in the 74-point game, but I’ll try my best,” Eric said, referring to his Dad’s career game in 1984 when he was playing for Tanduay.
The Wises are only the second father-and-son imports to play in the PBA, behind Tony Washam Sr., who played with Gilbey’s in 1984, and Tony Washam Jr., who suited up for B-Meg in 2010.
Though Eric plays in the frontline, the same position his father Francois played when he was here, the 24-year-old USC Trojan said that he is more of a tweener, playing the three and the four spots, unlike his dad who constantly roamed in the paint.
“He is way bigger than me. I’m not as athletic as him as well,” Wise said of his father, now an LAPD officer.
He also shared the lessons his father imparted to him before going to the Philippines, saying, “He just told me that the game is really physical. You really have to rebound. And don’t worry about the foul calls.
“Sometimes, the refs won’t call it so you just have to play through it.”
And he did.
Though Barako gave up a 21-point lead in the first half and fell behind by as much as 11, the Energy made a run in the end, with Wise drilling a hook shot with 35.1 seconds to play to put Barako up 94-92. He likewise delivered the game-clinching free throw in the end game.
“We had an early lead and we gave it up, but I’m glad that we were able to sustain and win the game,” Wise said.
“I’m glad that I’m able to make some shots. I think this is the first time I made a game-winner in my life. I’m just happy that I could deliver for the team when they gave me the ball.” (RL)
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