LOU Amundson admitted it was a relatively new experience to be a go-to guy for a team as he made he made his PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut for TNT Katropa on Friday night in a 94-89 loss to Meralco.
Known as a role player in his entire 10-year career in the NBA, the Texters import was forced to carry more of the offensive load for a TNT side that missed superstar Jayson Castro.
“It’s a bit of an adjustment to me. I’m not used to playing that role, but I just try to play hard and give the team what I can,” Amundson said. “Some guys stepped up and played well tonight. We just didn’t have enough.”
Amundson put up a decent debut as he finished with 19 points, 18 boards, two blocks, and one assists against four turnovers in almost 30 minutes of play.
Asked if he played good enough to secure his spot where another prospect, Donte Green, is also an option, Amundson said it’s TNT management that has the say.
“I don’t know. You got to ask those guys,” Amundson said.
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In fairness to Amundson, the 34-year-old had only two practices for the Texters after arriving on Tuesday night.
“I just got here three days ago, still jetlagged,” he said. “I’m just trying to get my legs under me, get comfortable here and get used to playing with these guys and learn their strengths and weaknesses and figure out how to best play with them.”
Amundson also dealt with early foul trouble as he picked up three fouls in the first half where he played less than 10 minutes.
“I’ll adjust to the officiating and the pace of the game here and the rhythm of the game here,” Amundson said. “It’s a lot different than what I’m used to playing in the NBA so I think having this experience, seeing how the game goes, how its officiated, It will better prepare me for Sunday.”
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