HAS San Miguel finally found the right import in Malik Pope?
Pope had an impressive outing for the Beermen in their crucial 116-113 win over Converge last Friday when he finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds - a much-welcome development, as prior to that match, he was averaging just 9.0 points and 8.7 rebounds.
READ: San Miguel survives a fiery Converge fightback - barely
His contributions against the FiberXers also included intangibles and defensive effort that enabled SMB to improve its record to 5-6 ahead of its crucial encounter with TNT on Sunday.
“We are so happy for Malik (during the Converge game). At least, even though he’s not a high scorer, he did his part, especially on rebounding and trying to eliminate their outside shooting,” said coach Leo Austria.
“He got a lot of rebounds. His presence, talagang naramdaman, unlike before.”
Patience with Pope
Austria said Pope’s slow start was understandable since he went straight to Candon City after arriving in the country to serve as San Miguel’s fourth import and replacement to Jabari Narcis.
Of course, it took time for the 6-foot-10 big man to get acquainted with the Beermen's system.
“When he arrived, right away he went with us in Ilocos Sur, and without any knowledge of who’s going to play, sino ang kalaban, anong plays ‘yun, and then talagang may jetlag pa,” said Austria.
“I think that’s the consequence of getting an import (this late). But we have to do it because Jabari, at that time, got injured. We (had) to decide.”
San Miguel’s patience in Pope has paid off, at least for the time being.
“I’m so happy that he was able to give something na puwede naming pakinabangan din sa panalo. And I think he played above average,” said Austria.
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