BLESSING IN DISGUISE
With original choice Michael Dunigan going the other way and opting to sign with Barangay Ginebra, Meralco coach Norman Black was left scampering for a replacement with the Commissioner’s Cup just a week away.
“Originally, when I went to the States, I went to get an import for our third conference, not the second conference because we already gave Mike a contract,” he said. “But that’s his choice. I can’t control what he does or his agent does. It’s his decision and it’s his life so we have to move on.”
Many now see the loss in the Dunigan tug-of-war as a blessing in disguise for the Bolts as they unveiled a gem of a reinforcement who looks ready to take on all comers. Josh Davis impressed many in his debut, recording 25 points and 24 rebounds in the Bolts’ 85-74 win over the Kings.
“We scrambled and we were able to get a good import in Josh Davis and he delivered for us today. For Dunigan, it’s all water under the bridge right now,” Black said.
The 23-year-old San Diego State standout was just what the doctor ordered for Meralco, really living up to his billing as a rebounding dynamo.
“Josh Davis controlled the boards for us, which is what we brought him here for. He did a good job rebounding today,” said Black, also praising the locals for a job well done.
“It’s a great start for us being able to beat Ginebra in the first game. I thought my big guys did a great job today defensively in the paint. John Ferriols, who is 40 years old, played like he was much younger today. Cliff Hodge was all over the court for us,” he said. “I thought Mike Cortez ran the team well, but the guy who really stood out a lot, especially offensively, was Gary David. He came in and made big shots for us in the first and second quarter, came right back in the second half and hit clutch shots for us.”
Black was satisfied with the team’s performance despite still missing Jared Dillinger due to a knee injury, and he believes that the squad can still improve further as the conference wears on.
“We just looked like we’re in better shape this time around, and of course, once we blend in with our import, we’ll continue to get better,” he said. (RL)
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