CHRIS Newsome is asking for clarity from officials over what constitutes a foul amid the PBA’s adoption of certain Fiba rules to familiarize its players, especially Gilas Pilipinas call-ups, with the international standards.
The Meralco star guard questioned what he felt were a couple of crucial non-calls late in the Bolts’ 98-97 loss to Phoenix in the 50th Season Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
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The usually mild-mannered Newsome was so in disbelief that he tried to confront the referees at the end of the game for an explanation, even following them inside the Big Dome hallway where he bumped into commissioner Willie Marcial and asked for his own clarification.
Newsome insisted his approach was not out of frustration, but simply seeking better understanding.
“I don't think I lost my cool, to be honest. I was just asking folks for clarification on what happened. You know, in our captain's meeting, the refs said, you know, if there's anything that you have questions on, as the captain, that we approach them about it,” Newsome began.
“So I just want to approach them about it. And, you know, I guess maybe we'll have to find out another time to talk about it. So, you know, we'll let management do their thing, see what happens,” he added.
Newsome finished with six points after missing nine of his 12 shots for a poor 25-percent shooting from the field, including one miss in a play where he thought he was fouled.
“Just asking for clarification on what it is, what are the rules. You know, I just needed to know exactly what was going on so I know how to adjust accordingly moving forward with the cause and everything,” Newsome said.
“I think it's important to understand what are the clear rules that we're going to play with so that way we can adjust,” the 2024 Philippine Cup Finals MVP added.
Being a Gilas playmaker playing in Fiba tournaments, Newsome is among those expected to benefit the most from the rule changes.
He also wants his fellow PBA players to benefit.
“That way it's fair for all teams. That's all I want, is transparency as far as like how we're going to play the game. You know, we can, of course, go look at the film and see the fouls that they called and see that the same actions on the other side, they made or not called, but I understand the rest of the movement also.”
“But, you know, for me it's just about holding the standard, having a standard to follow, and as long as everybody's on the same page, we'll go out and play basketball. So that's all I need is transparency and clarity for how we're going to play this game,” he added.
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