BARELY a year out of college and just days into his first overseas job, Henry Sims is set to go head-to-head with a player with deep NBA experience in DJ Mbenga.
But the young man doesn't appear daunted.
“I’ve not seen him play yet. (But) it’s always exciting to go up with somebody (like Mbenga), especially media builds that type of hype," said Sims, who arrived on Wednesday to take the place of the ineffective Rodney White for the Petron Blaze Boosters.
The 6-10 Sims, a former Georgetown Hoya who made quite an impression in his rookie season with the Erie BayHawks in the NBA D-League, is set to make his debut for Petron on Friday in a game against Meralco and Eric Dawson.
Two days later, the 23-year-old is slated to square off with Mbenga, a two-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers who arrived just a day earlier to take the place of Evan Brock at Barako Bull.
In terms of pro experience, the match-up should be a no-contest. Mbenga, 32, has eight years of experience in the NBA playing for the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, and the Lakers while Sims only had a brief appearance in March with the Hornets on a 10-day contract.
Still, Sims said he is looking forward to going head-to-head with the hulking seven-footer.
"(It's) always good to go with somebody, it’s challenging," said the young Petron import. "I’m excited. Hope he’s ready too.”
He added: “It’s my first overseas. I’m just excited and not nervous too much. I feel like I’m prepared for this.”
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