CHICAGO - Not that he can't or isn't capable of doing it, but it's unlikely for Venky Jois to dominate the headlines by erupting for 50 points.
What he would rather do is dominate a game by doing the other less glamorous, but equally important stuff.
The Australian from Boronia will chase every rebound, find the open teammate, steal the ball, block shots, and play defense like an angry doberman.
Which is exactly what he did across 122 games while playing for Eastern Washington in the US NCAA where he averaged 14.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals.
That allegiance to community play and willingness to do the "dirty work" made Jois highly employable as shown by his stints in Japan, China, the NBL, and the NBA G League, among other stops.
He was the most suitable import for the NorthPort Batang Pier.
UNTIL, SADLY AND CRUELLY, TONIGHT.
Jois' 49th Season PBA Governors' Cup stint ended abruptly following a non-contact injury. It's not looking good based on how the words "stretcher" and "Achilles tear" were used to report the incident.
READ: Achilles injury feared for Venky Jois after early exit vs Meralco
Prayers up for Venky. And to NorthPort as well.
Their import's looming exit throws a wrench into a promising conference where the Batang Pier are in the midst of a race with Converge for the last quarterfinals spot in Group A.
After bowing to Meralco, 114-104, tonight, NorthPort fell to 3-5. The FiberXers, meanwhile, edged Terrafirma, 100-99, to improve to 4-4 and now hold a one-game lead with two assignments to go.
If both teams end up at 5-5, the Batang Pier advance by virtue of a better quotient. In their two head-to-head meetings, they boast of a plus-18 against Converge.
DIFFICULT ROAD AHEAD
Still, getting there means winning their remaining games versus Magnolia and TNT, while also hoping the FiberXers lose to either the Hotshots or Bolts.
Even more, the tougher hurdle for NorthPort is replacing Jois with a new import, flying him to Manila, and hoping he can gel with his new teammates in time for next Friday's game.
JOSH DO IT. KEEP REYES AS COACH.
Per multiple sources, SBP officials supposedly met with Gilas Pilipinas Youth coach Josh Reyes today for an "assessment."
Both sides were mum when sought for confirmation, but I am told that Reyes remains on the hot seat with a parting of ways as an option.
Getting rid of Josh is like changing drivers of a car that's driving full speed towards a ravine.
Those fans who want Reyes' head haven't walked a day in a coach's shoes and are hating on him for hate's sake.
The youth program needs more funding, a new approach. Not a new coach.
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