WHEN he got the offer to play in the Philippines once again, Paul Harris didn’t hesitate one bit.
The 35-year-old Harris, known for leading TNT to the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup title, is back in town after five years, and now playing for Phoenix Super LPG in the 2021 Governors’ Cup.
In his first game back, Harris looked like he never left, finishing with 24 points and 15 rebounds in the Fuel Masters' 103-100 win over Terrafirma.
“First of all, I like to say that the Philippines, out of all the places I’ve played in the world, I’ve played all over, but this is like my second home,” said Harris. “I love the Philippines. I love the people here. I love the country. Everything about it. The buko juice, the chicken adobo. I’m glad to be back.”
'A blessing from the Man above'
The last time Harris played in the PBA was in 2016 for Barangay Ginebra in the Commissioner’s Cup. But that stint proved short-lived as he was replaced after one game due to an injury. His replacement was Justin Brownlee.
“I felt like it was a blessing from the Man above,” said Harris, when he received an offer to play in the Philippines. “I told my wife and she said you got to go. That’s what you’ve been wanting and I will give my all to Phoenix.”
Ever since agreeing to return albeit on a different team, Harris said he worked hard to be in the best shape possible for the Fuel Masters.
“I just been giving my all. Working hard, trying to slim up, and lose weight, and going to the spa everyday, just giving great condition and just giving my all to the team,” said Harris.
Harris said the 2011 championship with TNT will definitely go down as his best moment in the Philippines, but playing in out-of-town games was also something that made his stay in the country a memorable one.
“For sure, it’s 2011 when we won the championship. Just playing with Talk ‘N Text. That was one of the most unselfish teams that I’ve ever been a part of my whole career. Jimmy Alapag, playing with Ranidel De Ocampo and Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams, all those guys. That’s one of my favorites.”
“Playing out-of-town, we had out-of-town games and just going up there and seeing all the fans, rocking the bus and can’t wait to see us. I just love the support all around the whole Philippines,” he said.
As for his first game back, the Syracuse product said there is still room for improvement on his part especially when he got into foul trouble early in the game.
“I have to make sure that I’ll be there for my teammates. Overall, I felt good. I felt like I was in shape and I think my teammates really picked me up. We could have laid down. We were down 17 but we kept fighting. That was a team effort,” said Harris.
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