By REYNALD MAGALLON
Blackwater’s fate is still up in the air in the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors’ Cup but import George King made sure to express his appreciation for head coach Jeff Cariaso and the rest of the Bossing while he still has the chance.
Although still awaiting the outcome of the game between NLEX and Ginebra which will have a direct impact on their playoff chances, King got a little sentimental during the post-game press conference following their 111-94 win over San Miguel.
“I played a lot of basketball, been with a lot of coaches, a lot of different markets, a lot of different continents, countries. I just want to compliment coach right here. Honestly, you (Cariaso) are the best coach that I played for,” said King, who finished with 49 points to keep the Bossing in the hunt for the last quarters spot in Group B.
King said the explosive game that he has been enjoying so far was largely due to how seamlessly he transitioned with Blackwater.
“In these span of five, six games, the offense and defense is very simple but effective. We’re not promised tomorrow so I just want to let you know that right here publicly. I just want to say thank you. It’s been a real joy. My games followed because of that,” he added.
The feeling was surely mutual for Blackwater especially after King pumped life to the once flickering hopes of the Bossing after starting the conference, 0-3, with original import choice Ricky Ledo.
With King, Blackwater managed to upset Ginebra to start a three-game winning streak. The Bossing did lose two consecutive games after that but they recovered in time with a rout of the San Miguel Beermen.
For King, all the experience, right from the first time he set foot at Blackwater practice and to his PBA games, everything was nothing but spectacular especially with his teammates also embracing him with open arms.
“At the end of practice, as I was sitting there, and guys dub me up and ‘hey welcome’ and then what we do is we shoot halfcourt shots after practice, fun and games. Right then and there, with the small sample size, I got to see a lot of personalities. Right then and there, I knew and I said, wow, I’m around my type of guys,” said King.
“At that moment, at the back of my mind, I just have to thank God because I’ve been in a 180 (degree) situation where it was the opposite of that. And so I would say the same about them,” he added.
King said he’s been enjoying his stint in the Philippines with Blackwater and regardless of the outcome of its campaign, he certainly cherishes his bond with his teammates.
“It just makes me emotional inside, honestly, because at this point of my career, I just appreciate it so much. I’m really enjoying my time here in the Philippines, playing for Blackwater, being around the guys, and learning from them not only on the games on the court, but as men as well,” he stated.
“Those are the things that you can take with you when you decide to walk away from the game and retire. This has been a memorable one for me.”
