MIKE Watkins was leading the statistical race for the Best Import award in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup in games before December 25, even better than perennial winners Justin Brownlee of Barangay Ginebra and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson of TNT.
For Watkins, however, to have a shot at the individual award, he has to bring the Road Warriors to the semifinals of the conference.
It will be a tough task as NLEX is still fighting for the No. 8 seed in the quarterfinals against Magnolia, their playoff game to be played on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
READ: Magnolia stays alive for No. 8 spot after shutting down Meralco
If the Road Warriors hurdle the Hotshots, Watkins and company must next overcome top-seed NorthPort, needing to win twice to upset the Batang Pier.
Watkins averaged 28.1 points, 21.3 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks at the close of the elimination round.
His final game of the regular season saw the Penn State product finishing with a conference-high 41 points, while also grabbing 14 boards in NLEX’s 94-76 win over Eastern last Wednesday.
READ: NLEX win over Eastern slams playoff door on San Miguel
However, Watkins feels that he still has a lot to improve in hopes that NLEX goes deep into the conference.
“In the lead for the Best Import, it’s a great thing but I feel though personally, I still have more work to do,” said Watkins. “I haven’t played my best yet and I believe that if I keep doing that, the ranks are going to get higher.”
Watkins’ campaign with NLEX wasn’t always smooth sailing. Aside from the losses that put NLEX on the brink, Watkins even had a shouting match with head coach Jong Uichico last January 10 in a game against Meralco.
Watkins apologized after the match.
Even with that verbal altercation, Uichico had positive things to say about how his import works behind the scenes for the Road Warriors.
“He’s working very hard in practice. He does his individual skills and it shows in the game,” said Uichico.
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