BARANGAY Ginebra Zaccheus Mason has no problem playing against more accomplished imports in the PBA right in his first overseas professional stint.
“They (imports he faces in the PBA) are just like I am. Basketball at the end of the day, they have experience on me, but I’ll continue to do the little things like get extra possessions and block,” said Mason after the Kiings’ notched a second straight win Saturday night for a share of the lead with Air21.
Mason showed his workman-like approach in Ginebra’s game against Meralco, registering 32 points, grabbing 19 rebounds, and dishing off two assists in a 95-82 win
Fresh from college after a recent stint with the University of tennessee-Chattanooga, Mason said new Ginebra coach Jeffrey Cariaso continued to remind the Kings to play team basketball in the season-ending Governors Cup.
“This isn’t about individual performance, but it’s being able to execute our offense. And do those small things. That’s what we focused on to get them today (against Meralco), he added.
The 23-year-old Mason, who was defended at some stretches of the second half by Meralco import and former NBA veteran Terrence Williams, also thanked his teammates for helping him adjust to the PBA brand of play.
“I’m probably the youngest import here, but I just continue to get better day by day with my teammates on offense and defense,” he said.
“A lot of these guys (Ginebra teammates) have experience, still a little tough to adjust. But my teammates are behind me, so I enjoy playing basketball.”
Mason and the Kings will shoot for their third straight win on Tuesday when they go up against Air21 led by import Dominique Sutton and Asi Taulava.
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