ZAMBOANGA Valientes’ 7-foot-6 big Sam Deguara noticed one significant change in Philippine basketball five years since last suiting up for Alab Pilipinas.
For the Maltese-Italian giant, the game’s become much faster.
READ: Diouf open to opportunities in PBA, MPBL after Valientes stint
“Philippine basketball is changing also, like the NBA. It’s a different pace, it's faster now and you have to adapt,” said Deguara.
“The old style was like running set plays and it was slow, but now it's more like faster, quick decisions.”
Having more skilled local players as teammates for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship with the Valientes made it easier for him to adjust to the game’s faster pace.
“There is lots of talent here. I think the best players, they can do this job and it's not that hard to make," he shared.
Deguara added: “There is good pace in basketball and we are getting to know each other and they are looking for me in every situation that we can play.”
One Valientes player that caught his attention straight away? His frontline protégé in 6-foot-11 Malick Diouf.
“I've been talking to him every day, helping each other on what we can do, what kind of decisions he can make when he got the ball outside the paint. I've been trying to mentor him and helping him to play better,” Deguara said of the former UAAP MVP.
Will Deguara run it back in PH?
Prior to teaming up with Zamboanga, Deguara last played for the Macau Black Bears in the East Asia Super League (EASL) and Cavite-based Naic Aces in The Asian Tournament.
These competitions are where Valientes owner Junnie Navarro first took notice of Deguara.
“I had a couple of good months in the past previously, so I got noticed by everybody from playing in The Asian Tournament and giving great performances in the EASL. That's how I got contacted by Junnie (Navarro),” the Valientes center said.
Once the Dubai Invitational is done and dusted, Deguara, who has played in over 10 countries throughout his career, frankly admitted to only having interest in playing for two ‘higher level’ local teams.
“I prefer higher (level). I would consider higher level teams and leagues. I would consider helping Valientes or Aces (again).”
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