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    Barone delivers best offensive game in farewell as Columbian decision firm

    Barone makes memorable farewell as Dyip import
    Jun 1, 2019
    PHOTO: marlo cueto

    KYLE Barone knows that even his best efforts can't sway the management from making a u-turn on his status as Columbian's reinforcement for the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup.

    That's why the 29-year-old slotman is just nothing but thankful for the opportunity the Dyip gave him to take his act to the Philippines.

    "I just thank them for having me out here. Too bad we couldn't play that way since I got here. I wanted to ride it out but they made their decision and I respect their decision. I'm just gonna move on and I wish them the best of luck," he said Saturday.

    Barone had a spectacular sendoff, firing 31 points on a 54-percent shooting from the field, while also collecting eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals to lead Columbian to a breakthrough 120-105 victory over NLEX.

    That performance even led to coach Johnedel Cardel to joke that the management should have put the Dyip on notice from the first game had they knew they would play this way.

    "Dapat siguro first week pa lang, sinabi natin kay Kyle na papalitan natin siya. Di ko naisip eh. Sayang," he kidded, with the team flying in replacement import Lester Prosper.

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    Cardel, though, was firm on his decision, noting that it truly was unfortunate to part ways with an import like Barone and at the end of the day, it all boiled down to how he fitted with the team.

    "Sabi ko nga win or lose ito, we'll change Barone," he said. "Barone is a good import. Hindi lang siguro fit sa team namin, pero if you can give him to a strong team like Ginebra or Magnolia, he will be a good fit."

    "Ang kailangan kasi namin is energy, an import who you can bank on sa rebound, can dunk, and can do everything. We have a lot of scorers like CJ (Perez) and Rashawn (McCarthy) is there, Jack Corpuz can also score, so kailangan talaga namin yung import who can provide energy."

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    And Barone understands that as he hopes to see Columbian reach its potential as the season goes.

    "It's a young team, they're learning as we go along just like I'm learning how they play. That's the thing that showed tonight," he said as the Dyip converted 40-percent of their treys and also made history with their record 14 steals in the first half.

    "Everybody's moving the ball, everyone was shooting and we're making shots. It's fun what that happens, you usually win games when it happens too. Hopefully, they can continue playing that way."

    As for himself, Barone admitted that he enjoyed his short stay in the country and hopes that he can make his return to the PBA one day.

    "It was great. The fans, everybody's been really nice to me, and everybody welcomed me. I just thank the fans and everybody who were involved," he said.

    "Whoever wants to sign me, I'm here. I'm just ready."

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    PHOTO: marlo cueto
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