BLACKWATER FLIES IN 2-TIME ABL BEST IMPORT EARLY FOR COMM’S CUP
An accomplished star in the ABL, Chris Charles faces a difficult task in changing the fortunes of Blackwater come the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 7-foot center will be coming to the Elite squad which went 0-11 in the Philippine Cup with hopes of bringing his winning ways in the regional league to the expansion squad.
“I was surprised that they were winless. The guys were playing hard, energetic, and I’d like to just help build on that. I’m really excited,” he said.
A two-time ABL Import Most Valuable Player, Charles will try to prove his mettle against the PBA’s giants, including a familiar face in Asi Taulava, who he previously squared off with when the former PBA MVP strutted his stuff with the San Miguel Beermen.
“I’ve faced Asi in the ABL. He’s one of those big, physical guys, and everybody told me that’s how the PBA is,” he said. “Asi is a legend here, I really respect him, but when we get on the court, you have to battle. I’m just excited to play against him and the other big guys in this league.”
Charles understands the cards that were dealt to him when he accepted the job as an import for Blackwater, but he says he’s just going to keep doing what he does best just like he did in the ABL.
“I just want to bring some energy defensively, block some shots, rebounds, give us an inside presence, just help as much as I can in any department. That’s why they brought me here for, to improve their standings. That’s my job and I want to help as much as I can,” said Charles, a member of the Hi-Tech Bangkok City squad which won this season’s ABL title. “I’m just going to continue what I’ve done through my career and that is just to play as hard as I can and try to be positive with my teammates, try to help them win.”
Handpicked by no less than team owner Dioceldo Sy, Charles said that he’s going all out to get that breakthrough victory and more for the Elite once the Commissioner’s Cup begins late in January.
“I know how important it is and I know how big the PBA is. I’ve heard stories from friends of how big basketball is here, and I’m excited and just honored to play in this league,” he said. “I really want prove what I can do for the team and that is to play hard.” (RL)
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