GINEBRA FANS CAN EXPECT MORE FROM KIM
Just two days since arriving in the country, Korean import Jiwan Kim sure had lots on his itinerary punctuated by a Barangay Ginebra game against GlobalPort on Wednesday.
But the 25-year-old guard performed admirably, fitting into coach Frankie Lim’s system and logging in almost 35 minutes of playing time in the Kings’ 111-108 overtime conquest of the Batang Pier.
Though his low shooting clip might be the main takeaway from his debut – he shot 4-of-13 from the field and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc – Kim assured fans that once he settles in, they can expect more from him.
“I didn’t want to give a lot of excuses but I just arrived two days ago,” he said through his interpreter. “It was a long flight. I only had one practice with the team, but I was able to take a lot of shots.”
“However, I didn’t make a lot of them. But my main focus is the touch of the ball and probably, in the next game, I’ll play better,” said Kim.
In his first game since replacing Mongolian reinforcement Sanchir Tungalag, Kim already had 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists. These are the numbers which Kim routinely delivers in his time with the KBL, but more than anything, it’s his presence on the court which makes a lot of difference for his past teams, something which couldn’t be seen in the stat sheets.
And the Korean is quite elated to play in the PBA.
“I have heard a lot about PBA, how Filipinos love basketball, and how great Ginebra is,” he said. “But it was more than what I heard. When I came and experienced being with the team, the fans, and the game. I was able to go through and finish the game because of the fans, how supportive they are cheering for the team so I really appreciate it.” (RL)
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