Excited na ang import na si Tony Bishop na maranasan ang napakalaking suporta ng Barangay Ginebra fans kapag nagsimula na ang PBA Commissioner’s Cup ngayong Linggo sa Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ayon kay Bishop, natutuwa siyang maglaro para sa Kings at halos buong arena ang nakaugat sa kanya matapos siyang i-tap para palitan si Justin Brownlee bilang import sa season-opening conference.
Dalawang taon na ang nakalilipas, naging kontrabida si Bishop sa mata ng mga loyalista ng Ginebra nang palakasin niya ang Meralco laban sa Kings sa best-of-seven finals series ng Governors’ Cup.
Bagama’t natalo ang Bolts, nakuha ni Bishop ang respeto ni Ginebra coach Tim Cone, na nagtulak sa kanya na kunin siya matapos magpositibo si Brownlee sa ipinagbabawal na substance pagkatapos ng makasaysayang panalo ng Gilas Pilipinas sa 19th Asian Games.
“I remember in the finals, I think 90 percent was Ginebra. But I love the fan base. It gave me energy even though they were booing me. I love that being the underdog as well,” sabi ni Bishop. “I’m now looking forward to seeing them being the Sixth Man and giving them the boost that we need.”
Bukod kay Bishop, ipaparada din ng Kings si Maverick Ahanmisi, ang high-scoring guard na pumasok sa free agency matapos palayain ng Converge.
Sinabi ni Bishop na siya at si Ahanmisi ay nagsusumikap nang doble para mapabilis ang kanilang pagsasa-ayos sa sistema ni Cone.
“We’re learning like a sponge right now. We’re trying to learn everything as much as we can and get the offense. We’re trying to develop chemistry,” sabi ni Bishop.
Bagama’t may pressure na ihatid dahil papalitan niya ang tatlong beses na Best Import awardee na nanguna sa prangkisa sa anim na titulo na si Brownlee, sinabi ni Bishop na gagawin niya ang lahat para mabayaran ang tiwala na ibinigay ng management.
“The vibe has been very good. They’re showing love, they’re showing support,” sabi ni Bishop. “I felt weird coming to the other side. Coaches had been showing respect and players showing love. We’re just going to the basics, getting me acclimatized to the offense and defense. They’re just showing me the ropes. I’m happy to be here and ready to work.”
