ALL is well between NLEX coach Jong Uichico and import Mike Watkins after figuring in a shouting match in the middle of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup game against Meralco on Friday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The two had a heated exchange of words late in the third quarter in which the usually mild-mannered Uichico was heard shouting ‘You go home,’ to the Penn State product and leading candidate for the conference's Best Import award.
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The incident happened as the Bolts were in the middle of a crucial run. Uichico took Watkins out with 3:55 to go in the same period and the Bolts already leading, 64-61.
But as the two cooled down, the NLEX coach brought the 29-year-import back in the game at the 1:51 mark, substituting rookie big man Brandon Ramirez.
The Road Warriors lost the game, 105-91 - their fourth straight defeat for a 3-6 record.
SPIN.ph later learned Watkins said his apology to Uichico inside the team dugout after the match.
“In fairness, nag-apologize naman siya kay coach after the game,” said several members of the NLEX team.
“Heat of the moment lang yun,” added another insider.
The shouting episode notwithstanding, Watkins actually had another monster game for the Road Warriors with 38 points and 21 rebounds on an efficient 15-of-22 shooting from the field.
But he committed seven turnovers, just one short of teammate Robert Bolick’s eight as the two combined for more than half of the Road Warriors’ 22 turnovers.
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