NBA star DeMarcus Cousins is open and willing to play further in the country beyond his stint with Zamboanga Valientes in The Asian Tournament.
The 33-year-old Cousins said he’ll certainly consider staying here and bring his brand of basketball before Filipino cage fans if the offer is reasonable.
“I’m open to things that makes sense. I can’t say here and make any promises. At the end of the day, I’m a businessman. And I’m serious about my business,” said the four-time NBA All-Star during a brief presser Saturday at the Active Hoop Arena as he talked about signing up with the Valientes.
“If it makes sense, it will definitely be considered.”
Later, the 6-foot-10 product of Kentucky was asked if any teams in the PBA has offered him to play in Asia’s oldest professional league.
“I’m not sure,” Cousins replied. “I just show up and do my job. I have people in the position to handle my business for me.
“Like I said, if things make sense, then I’ll definitely consider. But as of right now, I haven’t heard of anything.”
Photo: Wendell Alinea
Cousins is eligible to play in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup where the 49-year-old league has adopted an unlimited height among imports seeing action.
But while a future playing career here appears enticing for ‘Boogie,’ he stressed the imperative thing for him is the present.
“I’m so more concerned about this moment, which I mean now. And like I said, I’m making the best out of this opportunity,” said the first round pick (no. 5 overall) by the Sacramento Kings during the 2010 draft.
The Valientes indeed, are dead-set in saving their best for last in The Asian Tournament as they also signed up former PBA player Mac Belo to be part of its roster for the Aug. 5-10 meet in Zamboanga.
Belo will be reunited with former college teammate Mike Tolomia at Zamboanga and gets to play alongside former UAAP MVP Malik Diouf, Ateneo big man Geo Chiu, Rudy Lingganay, Franky Johnson, AJ Benson, Das Esa, import Ricky Bryce, among others.
Photo: Wendell Alinea
Cousins like the moves being made by the Valientes owned by Junnie Navarro and former Col. Ariel Querubin as co-owner, heading to the Asian Tournament grand finals this coming week.
“Hard working and talented, and I think they’re serious about winning and so I’m happy about that. It’s a good move,” said Cousins, who is coming off a championship stint with the Taipei Mustangs during Leg 4 of The Asian Tournament.
“I’m excited to be here and I’m excited to play. I can’t wait to get on the floor with all these guys.”
The Valientes will fly to Zamboanga tomorrow after having their first practice with Cousins on Saturday.
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