CURTIS Kelly knew the match against Blackwater was his day of judgment as Magnolia’s import in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
With the result of the game and another sub-par performance, even the American cager admitted that he wouldn’t be surprised if it turned out to be his last match for the squad.
Kelly’s performance turned from bad to worse as he finished with just 12 points and nine rebounds while having six turnovers as the Hotshots dropped their second straight game - an 86-84 loss to the Elite on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
IHe finished with 19 points and 15 rebounds in their 99-96 loss to Rain or Shine. In the two games, he made just three of 14 attempts from the line while committing an average of 5.5 turnovers.
“As far as I know, that pretty much is my deciding game. With the loss, I won't be surprised what the outcome is,” said Kelly after the match.
As it turned out, Kelly was definitely on his way out. SPIN.ph earlier confirmed that the 30-year-old journeyman is set to be replaced by Justin Jackson out of Cincinnati.
Though his time with Magnolia turned out to be short-lived, Kelly is still thankful for the opportunity and for the treatment that he received from the Hotshots.
Basketball has taken him all over the world but the two games that he played with Magnolia will definitely go down as one of the most memorable for him.
“My experience went pleasant. I enjoyed playing for a family. The team I played for prior to coming here in France was nothing like this as far as management and players. Here it’s more like family - they took care of me, they looked out for me,” Kelly said.
“I appreciate everything they did for me. Like I said, I don’t know what the decision is, I don’t know what’s gonna go on, but I’m extremely thankful and I'm blessed to be here,” he added.
Still, Kelly hopes to be given a chance to play again in the PBA and hopefully by that time, he can truly showcase what he’s capable of doing.
“If I'm given the chance to come back I wanna show everything I showed in the first game just minus the troubles at the free throw line. I think my first game was good, I think I performed, but the free throws started the questions.”