BIÑAN - Playing against his former team brought back good memories for Terrence Watson.
The 31-year-old Rain or Shine import faced San Miguel Beer for the first time since their aborted grand slam bid last season and watched how his 'good friends' demolished the Elasto Painters, 109-97, Saturday night in the PBA Governors Cup at the Alonte Sports Arena.
Watson could do nothing to prevent San Miguel from clinching a berth in the quarterfinals as the Beermen took control late in the first period on the way to notching their sixth win in 10 outings for solo sixth place.
The Rain or Shine import ended up with 13 points and 15 rebounds while struggling to get his shots going after finishing 5-of-16 from the floor.
While he commisserated with the Elasto Painters, who fell to a 2-8 record with their fourth straight loss, Watson was elated seeing the Beermen advance to the playoffs and have another shot at winning a title.
He mentioned Chris Ross, Alex Cabagnot, and Arwind Santos among those who he became close with during his stint with San Miguel in last season's Governors Cup.
"I actually enjoyed playing with those guys," said Watson, who considers himself an 'SMB guy to the heart.'
Watson steered the Beermen to the quarterfinals of the season-ending conference, but the team fell through against reigning champion Barangay Ginebra that put a sad end to the team's ambitious grand slam bid.
Now he only wishes San Miguel the best.
"I wish this guy good luck," said Watson while pointing to San Miguel counterpart Kevin Murphy, who had a game-high 28 points.
As for the Elasto Painters, he hopes to help the team win its final game of the season against NLEX next week.
"We just come out and keep fighting," he said. "All we can do is to keep on fighting and show heart."
Incidentally, Watson never had a chance to play and practice with Rain or Shine's prodigal son Raymond Almazan.
The Detroit, Michigan native came on board to replace JNathan Bullock at the time Almazan went 'AWOL' with the team.
While the 6-foot-8 Almazan has finally returned, he was suspended by management for the rest of the conference and won't be back in action until the new season begins on Jan. 13.
"I never met Raymond," Watson said with a laugh.
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