ANTIPOLO – David Murrell got in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons near the end of the University of the Philippines’ 82-71 win over National University on Saturday.
With the game already decided and the Fighting Maroons ahead by nine, Murrell soared high for a dunk on the fast break which several Bulldogs players took exception to.
While Perasol understands why the rookie went for that dunk, that doesn’t make it right.
“I didn’t like that either, if I were in coach Jamike’s shoes, I would be angry too,” said Perasol.
“There was no need for that. We have to understand that he wanted to get into his groove for the longest time, he had been in the bench (and) he wanted to really show his stuff,” Perasol added.
Perasol however believes that Murrell is bound to learn as he continues to mature with the team.
“Regardless of the reason, that was just wrong. I’m going to talk to him, he will learn. He’s a young guy, he’s got so much potential, he not only needs to respect the game but also respect the opponents,” he added.
Murrell, who finished with eight points and four boards in the win, said that he meant no disrespect to the Bulldogs.
Growing in Canada, Murrell said that the culture is a little bit different there.
“To be honest I just saw an opening and wanted to dunk it. I didn't mean (to) make it disrespectful or nothing. I just wanted to dunk the ball to be honest,” said Murrell.
“I usually do that to back home it’s kinda normal back home but I guess out here they thought it was disrespectful,” he added.
Dave Ildefonso, one of the players who reacted with Murrell’s dunk, has already put the issue behind him – saying that he reacted that way out of frustration.
“Fault ko yun. I apologize to him, kung ako rin naman siguro, kung ako nakakatalon ng ganun kataas, dunk ko narin. Pero yeah I apologize to him, my bad,” said Ildefonso.
“Nakuha lang ng frustrations. He’s a good player, role player talaga siya, no hard feelings,” he added.
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