JORDAN Adams said he never felt slighted by the decision of San Miguel to replace, and then bring him back as import for the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup.
Adams said he understands the nature of professional basketball, especially being a PBA import where any team can replace its reinforcement at any time.
The Beermen's import, though, admitted he was told by the team to remain ready despite the decision to slide him to the injured/reserve list to accommodate Sheldon Mac.
“I just had to stay ready,” said Adams. “They told me to stay ready, you never know what can happen. That’s my job as a professional: stay in the gym and be ready for my name to be called.”
SMB coach Jorge Gallent admitted they tried to experiment by bringing in Mac who, in the eyes of the Beermen, still had a good showing after going for 16 points, one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block against NLEX in their previous outing.
“When we talked to Jordan about it, we (told him we) just wanted to try a 1-2-3-4 guy,” said Gallent, referring to Mac’s ability to play multiple positions. “Unfortunately, it backfired. But Sheldon Mac played well against NLEX.”
“But we decided to bring Jordan back,” said Gallent.
Jordan on-brand
More than his skills, Gallent likes the attitude of Adams when told of the news about being replaced.
“What’s nice about Jordan is he was professional enough to stay with us and play with us again. I’m very happy Jordan stayed and I’m very happy for his game now. It speaks that he is really a great import,” Gallent said.
READ: Returning Jordan Adams goes off for 49 as SMB makes quick work of Phoenix
The returning reinforcement fired 49 points and hauled 11 rebounds in San Miguel’s 139-127 victory over Phoenix to improve its record to 5-2. Following Barangay Ginebra’s win over Rain or Shine in the other game, the Beermen, Gin Kings, and Elasto Painters are now tied atop Group B.
Adams is no longer thinking about being replaced, and instead, is just thinking about their next assignments.
“Most importantly, we got the win. I just went out there and played hard and tried to get a win for my teammates,” he said.
“You got to keep winning. That’s all that matters here,” he added.
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