BAY Area's decision to reactivate Myles Powell may have taken a lot of fans by surprise, but it won't catch Barangay Ginebra flat-footed.
Ginebra coach Tim Cone assured the team got win of the news of Powell's reactivation early enough on the eve of Game Six of the PBA Commissioner's Cup Finals to make the necessary adjustments in practice.
READ: Bay Area reactivates Myles Powell for Game 6
Cone said the Gin Kings had to make a 'right turn' in practice on Tuesday as soon as they were informed that Powell will be stepping in for Andrew Nicholson, who sat out the last two games of the series and was ruled out of Game Six owing to an injury.
"Yes, we had to make a right turn since we found out [about Powell's reactivation] in practice," said the league's most successful coach. "We had time to prepare a bit."
Powell, no doubt, presents a whole new challenge for the Gin Kings.
Unlike the 6-10 Nicholson who is close to unstoppable once inside the paint, the 6-1 Powell is a prolific scorer and dangerous gunner who scored 50 points and hit 11 treys against Rain or Shine in the eliminations on November 11.
The former Philadelphia 76er has never lost in the eight PBA he has played, averaging 38 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists.
Powell suffered a 'severe foot injury' in practice that ruled him out of the majority of the playoffs. But he returns to stake that perfect record in Game Six on Wednesday - a game the Dragons can't afford to lose.
Cone said Powell will be a 'game-changer' in the finals, but assured Ginebra will be ready for its first-ever meeting with the former NBA player.
"He will certainly change the way they play and the way we have to defend," Cone said.