IT TAKES a former NFL player to allow GlobalPort to make it to the win column.
After giving Jabril Trawick the pink slip for his miserable performance, the Batang Pier brought in Murphy Holloway, who played professional American football for the Baltimore Ravens.
In his first game with the Batang Pier, Mr. Holloway immediately proved his worth, finishing with 29 points and 26 rebounds to power GlobalPort to the win column.
Playing the tight end position in the NFL, Mr. Holloway didn’t have difficulty adjusting to the PBA’s physicality.
“Looks like he’s the kind of import we need, a player who is expert in pushing people around,” Mr. Pumaren told BusinessWorld. “He’s a former NFL player. He’s big, but he’s agile. He used to run with the running back.”
Mr. Trawick, GlobalPort’s previous import, had a dismal three-point showing during the team’s first game and Mr. Pumaren wasted no time dispatching him after the loss to Rain or Shine.
Mr. Holloway proved to be a right fit for the squad anchored on Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle, arguably the best guard combo in the PBA today.
“It’s an advantage that they didn’t scout our new import. But as you can see, he gives us the inside presence, the rebounding and towards the tournament, maybe he’ll be already in shape which will be beneficial on our part,” said Mr. Pumaren.
“I guess we found an import who is perfectly fit for us. He’s going to command the double team.”
For Mr. Pumaren, getting Mr. Holloway in better condition as fast as possible is a must as the Batang Pier will have another big game on Sunday — against the defending champion Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
“He needs to suck it up because we have another big game,” added Mr. Pumaren. “Since the time he arrived here, he only had an average sleep of five hours a day.” — Rey Joble
