ALLEN Durham is glad that his longtime PBA team was finally able to win its first championship.
At the same time, Durham also hopes he can finally taste that same success when he returns to Meralco for the coming PBA 49th Season.
“I was excited for the guys,” said Durham on Tuesday during PBA Media Day. “I was over in Japan and I was watching the games a little bit here and there. I’m so happy that they got over the hump. Now everybody knows what it takes.”
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Durham though said it will be a tough journey for Meralco to win the season-opening Governors’ Cup with the teams they will be facing.
That includes Barangay Ginebra, Meralco’s nemesis in the Governors’ Cup, which the Kings have won four times at their expense.
“Obviously, the PBA is very tough, tough teams and stuff. I think we got better tools and stuff like that and I think we can have a chance at it,” said Durham.
On facing Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings, Durham played down the notion that Meralco and Ginebra are rivals.
“Well, we’ve got to beat them first. But I’m excited to play against them. It’s always good competition when we go up against those guys,” said Durham.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo is also thrilled to have Durham back. He said the Bolts have always wanted him to return but Durham had an offer in the Japan B.League and went on to play for the Ryukyu Golden Kings from 2021 to 2024.
Durham won a championship with the Golden Kings in 2023.
“We wouldn’t have lost AD. The pandemic kind of put him in a situation where he needed to sign. At that time, the PBA had not come out with the height limit or a situation of where we will move. Japan offered it. AD has done well there. He’s been in three finals, he won an MVP.”
“He’s a bit older now but we are happy that he is here. He knows the league. I don’t think he is in shape. We need a couple of weeks. But we know what AD can do when he gets his rhythm going,” said Trillo.
The New Newsome
The 36-year-old Durham applauded the development of the Meralco players especially Chris Newsome, who has become the leader of the Bolts.
“I’m so impressed. They are always hardworkers but just kind of see their development over the years, Chris Newsome he was my rookie, just seeing him from the start to now, the leader that he is, I’m very, very proud of him and impressed,” said Durham.
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