GEORGE King said his time with Blackwater and with head coach Jeff Cariaso will go down as the best in his career.
King made the statement shortly after scoring 49 points on Saturday in their 111-94 win over San Miguel to keep their chances of making the playoffs alive.
READ: King comes to Blackwater’s aid in taking crucial win over SMB
“I played a lot of basketball, been with a lot of coaches, a lot of different markets, a lot of different continents, countries. I just want to complement coach,” said King during the postgame press conference.
“Honestly, you (Cariaso) are the best coach that I played for. In these span of five, six games, the offense and defense is very simple but effective. I just want to say thank you. It’s been a real joy. My games follow because of that," he added.
The Bossing have seen a renaissance since King came in, with all their four wins so far in the conference with the import playing for them after replacing Ricky Ledo. Blackwater needs another win and an NLEX loss to Barangay Ginebra on Sunday to advance to the quarterfinals.
King also had good things to say about his fellow players who made him feel right home ever since he showed up in his first practice with the Bossing.
“I would say the same about them (teammates). When I first arrived, fresh off the plane, we went to GAB and we took practice. It was right in the middle of practice. I caught the end of practice. And I sat and watch some live stuff and watch the guys play," he shared.
“As I was sitting there, the cheers from the guys, and then what we do is we shot halfcourt shots after practice, fun and games. Right then and there, with the small sample size, I got to see a lot of personalities. Right then and there, I knew I’m around my type of guys," he added.
"At that moment, at the back of my mind, I just have to thank God because I’ve been in 180 (degree) situation where it was the opposite of that. And so I would say the same about them."
Regardless of whether they will advance to the quarterfinals or not, King said the memories he have with Blackwater is something he will cherish, and he definitely hopes to add more if the Bossing make it past the eliminations.
“Honestly, because at this point of my career, I just appreciate it so much. I’m really enjoying my time here in the Philippines, playing for Blackwater, being around the guys, and learning from them not only on the games on the court, but them as men as well," he stated.
Those are the things that you when you decide to walk away from the game and retire,” he added. “This has been a memorable one for me."
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
