MONTALBAN – Phoenix finally unleashed rookie Will Gozum and the forward responded with a modest debut in the team’s 109-76 blowout of Titan Ultra in Sunday’s PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
READ: Phoenix keeps fire burning vs Titan for back-to-back wins
The No. 8 overall pick had seven points, two assists, and a rebound in the 14 minutes that he was on the court of the Ynares Center here.
With longtime stalwart Jason Perkins having problems with his Achilles, coach Charles Tiu deemed it best to give his former player at College of St. Benilde extended playing minutes to get his feet wet.
Gozum didn’t see action in the Fuel Masters’ opening day game against Magnolia, which they won, 101-98.
“With Perkins being questionable, sabi ko sige, we’ll give him a chance,” he said of the former NCAA MVP.
Blazer(ing) a path
But Tiu was quick to temper Gozum’s expectations of playing heavy minutes with the team.
“I told Will from the start, it’s tough kasi here in the PBA, he’s playing the wings, and I got guys like Ricci [Rivero], KT (Kenneth Tuffin). Even si Kai Ballungay, he plays in the wings. So it’s going to be tough for him to get that minutes,” said the first-year head coach.
For his part, Gozum knows he has to earn his playing time, and Tiu said so far, the rookie has been responding well.
“Lately, he’s been better. Nung unang dating niya sa team to be honest, he really looks rusty, and really looks out of it,” admitted Tiu.
“But still he’s trying to pick up. I’m happy he was able to contribute and score a little bit today. This guy works hard and kami, we want to give everybody a chance here to play.”
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