New blood, team changes challenge Star’s PJ Simon
North Cotabato-native PJ Simon of the Star Hotshots goes for a layup against the Globalport Batang Pier. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
As new players continue to come in the league every year, the PBA’s old guards are also reinvigorated with the challenge the new blood brings.
For guys like Peter June Simon, it’s a welcome task for the veterans to always prove themselves against the hungry newcomers.
“Hangga’t kaya, sige lang. Nakakatuwa nga dahil pag may bagong dumarating, ginaganahan ka at nacha-challenge. Parang nakakabata rin yung ganun,” he said.
The 35-year-old also admitted that the changes in Star also helped in his renewed drive with coach Jason Webb set to take the lead for the Hotshots this season.
“Na-refresh din kami. Parang naging excited lahat,” Simon said. “Bagong sistema rin so sana maka-catchup kami agad. Hopefully this time, we can make a run.”
As positive as the team is in the offseason, the North Cotabato native could not easily forget the memories they had with former coach Tim Cone, saying: “Nakakamiss talaga si coach Tim. Talagang nag-iba.”
That just makes for an exciting first meeting between Ginebra and Star this upcoming PBA 41st season, which kicks off this October.
“Pag nagkalaban kami, di ko alam yung magiging pakiramdam. Gusto ko manalo, pero I hope makapag-champion ulit sya,” he said.
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