IMPORTS SHINE AFTER PBA TOUR OF DUTY
“Stint in the PBA made me a better player.”
This is what former Talk N’ Text Tropang Texters import Donell Harvey has been bragging about in China, being the CBA’s top rebounder and hustle player.
“Playing in the Philippines helped me to be more aggressive and most of all, tough,” said Harvey, who averages 16 rebounds per game for Tianjin Steel, one of the teams still in contention in the ongoing CBA season.
In fact, Harvey led Tianjin to twin victories over the Stephon Marburry-led Beijing Ducks and Tracy McGrady’s Qingdao Eagles recently.
So impressive is Harvey’s dominance off the boards that he is way ahead of his rivals in the said department.
“I don’t know, I just became a different person after playing in the PBA,” said Harvey, who had to adapt to a new coaching system under Chot Reyes at TNT.
“I’m not really used to the coaching style in the Philippines. We watch videos, we play certain roles. In China and in other countries, once you are a former NBA player, they just let you play your rules,” recalled Harvey.
Even the agent of the former New York Knicks draftee told Frostbyte how her ward takes pride in playing in the PBA.
“Talagang ikinukwento niya sa mga teammates niya na hindi pa lumalaro dito sa PBA ang experience niya. I’m very blessed to be able to represent a player like him,” said international player agent Sheryl Reyes.
The outspoken talent scout also revealed that Harvey is now one of the most sought after imports in the CBA.
“Kasi Donell became twice more passionate and more hardworking. He more than doubled his effort to dive for the loose ball, and doesn’t care if he has a broken nose or bruised ribs,” said Reyes, recounting how Harvey played in last year’s Commissioner’s Cup with different injuries.
Aside from Harvey, Reyes also stressed the improved performance of her other PBA import recruits like Mario West, Rodney Johnson, Dermarr Johnson & Champ Oguchi – players who made their presence felt either in the NBA , Olympics or other foreign leagues.
“Yan yung hindi naiintindihan ng iba sa brand of play sa PBA. Exciting and at the same time, it toughens up the players. Kita mo halos lahat ng import na galing dito gumawa ng pangalan sa iba,” concluded Reyes.
Meanwhile, Harvey might have a second tour of duty in the Philippines.
“His comeback will depend on when his schedule permits, and if Talk n’ Text needs a replacement,” said Reyes, who is expected to bring in at least 4 high quality imports, mostly former NBA cagers, for the Commissioner’s Cup which opens on February 8.
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