MERALCO coach Norman Black compared KJ McDaniels to Justin Brownlee as far as his ability to play against taller imports in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup is concerned.
Black admitted he himself is surprised with the Bolts’ recent run with McDaniels, who gives up inches to other imports in a conference with a 6-10 height limit.
[READ: Rejuvenated Meralco spoils TNT return of Mikey, Gilas boys]
The Meralco coach said the original plan to tap McDaniels for the Governors’ Cup was fast-tracked after Johnny O’Bryant was ineffective for the Bolts.
“The plan was when we recruited him was to keep him in the third conference. We didn’t know we will make this run like we are making right now. But we thought we had a better chance of winning with him here. And if he played well, we can just carry him over to the next conference,” said Black.
“It looks like he can compete even at this (level). He is just like Justine Brownlee. He can compete even in the unlimited height [conference]. It gives us a chance to win every game,” said Black.
The Bolts have yet to lose since McDaniels joined the team. On Wednesday, he had 26 points and 15 rebounds as the Bolts beat TNT, 97-91. Meralco has yet to lose since making the import change.
McDaniels has also became a positive influence in practice.
“I think it starts sa practice,” said Meralco center Raymond Almazan. “Kahit bagong dating siya, sabi niya lang sa amin one game at a time. Nakukuha na namin ‘yung momentum."
Black agreed.
“Raymond is correct when he said that the level of practice has improved since KJ got here. Our practice has been intense. Everybody goes hard in practice. It is starting to show on the basketball court. I always like it when guys practice well because it normally translates to the game. That’s what’s happening to us lately,” said Black.
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