By REYNALD MAGALLON
It looks like PBA guest team Eastern does not only need to get used to the physicality and brand of play in the country – but also to the notorious Manila traffic.
The Hong Kong-based team almost missed its game against Governors’ Cup champion TNT after getting caught in the heavy, rush hour and Christmas season traffic on Friday, Dec. 6.
Eastern came in clutch and made it on time but not after having to dress and do the taping right on the bus. The team even went straight ahead to the court upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“It was really a big problem to be honest. If you’re asking about this because straight from the bus to the court is not really good. It was one more concern for me for this game,” admitted Eastern head coach Mensur Bajramovic.
The team, according to Bajramovic, was surprised by the heavy traffic on Friday as their travel time to the NAS in Manila from their hotel at Novotel Manila in Cubao was far longer than usual.
“We already did the taping and dressing in the bus actually because we didn’t predict well the time we needed,” revealed the Serbian coach.
“We have to go [earlier]. Especially because you know the last games, this is the third game we play in a row here in this gym. It’s the same distance from the hotel. The first game we came normally. We had a lot of time before.
The second game, a little bit late but this game we came straight to the warm-up,” he added.
Good thing, despite the delays, his wards came out prepared and even dealt TNT a thorough 105-84 beating to improve their record to 3-1.
“But the biggest concern was actually TNT, the team we play against. For sure, I know they won the last championship and they will start slower than usual and for sure they will get it back and be very good in the rest of the season.”
Cameron Clark exploded for 36 points while three other players scored in double-figures with Hayden Blankley adding 24, Glen Yang with 19 and Ramon Cao with 15 while holding his ground against Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
As for the traffic, Bajramovic said the team will surely try to arrive earlier especially since the venue of their next game is at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan on Tuesday, Dec. 10.
“Now we know Manila very well,” said Bajramovic, smiling.
