A SURPRISE WORTH MORE THAN A DOLLAR(D)
Game-by-game, it’s getting more evident that Barako Bull Energy’s import problem at the onset has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
Subbing in for first-choice reinforcement Dwayne Chism, who had contractual problems in his last stint in the Hungarian league, Joshua Dollard is looking like a keeper for coach Bong Ramos.
“Magaling talaga ito, but I didn’t expect that he’ll play like this,” Ramos said of his import. “Nung nakita namin sa tuneup, andun yung versatility ng game nya at mas marami siyang nagagawa kaysa kay Chism.”
At a tad under 6-5, Dollard is the shortest among the Commissioner’s Cup imports. But don’t let that fool you.
He had 45 points, 18 rebounds and four blocks in his debut against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, and could have done more if he didn’t foul out in overtime.
But after some adjustment to the Philippine style of play, the 27-year-old made sure that he won’t be labeled as a one-trick-pony as he paced Barako Bull to a 110-106 win over Rain or Shine on Sunday.
He had 44 points and 19 boards in the victory, and has now posted back-to-back 40-point games in his first two PBA games, a feat last achieved by Tony Mitchell in the same conference a year ago.
Dollard scored 13 of his points in the second quarter, and finished strong for the Energy as he poured in 17 in the payoff period.
“It’s just a blessing from God to come out here and perform in front of the fans, and for my team to get the job done,” Dollard said. “This is not new to me. I always believe in myself and have the confidence in myself and my abilities.”
Dollard, who had previous stints in Turkey, the Czech Republic, and Finland, said that the physical brand of basketball here in the Philippines isn’t really a problem, minutes after banging bodies with Rain or Shine bigs like Beau Belga and Jervy Cruz.
“The first thing I told my coaches when I got here is that they don’t have to worry about the physical style of play because it matches my style. This league is more physical than other leagues in Europe. I think its a good fit for me,” he said.
When asked if being a replacement import bothers him, Dollard said that he is just treasuring the opportunity to play in the PBA.
“Everything happens for a reason. I don’t mind if I’m just coming in here as a second-choice import. It’s God’s will. I’m just carrying it out,” he said. (RL)
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