LIMANG sunod na panalo ang naitala ng NLEX Road Warriors sa 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Sa pangunguna ng dating NBA player na si Al Thornton, umakyat sa 6-4 kartada ang koponan ni Road Warriors coach Boyet Fernandez. Sa laban ng NLEX kontra Barangay Ginebra, gumawa ng 50 points at 18 rebounds si Thornton upang patunayan na isa siya sa maaasahang import sa kasalukuyang kumperensiya ng PBA. Sa isang eksklusibong panayam ni Bandera correspondent Eric Dimzon, naikuwento ni Thornton ang biglang pag-angat ng kanyang laro. Narito ang kanyang pahayag.
You have the best credentials among the imports coming in. Did that add pressure on you?
Well, not really. I know the way I play. My only concern is to satisfy NLEX management and we keep on winning games. That is the only pressure on me.
You had a rather shaky start in the PBA. Were you adjusting to the brand of play in the PBA at the start?
I had not played for a while in terms of organized basketball. I just had to get into basketball shape. I also had to deal with injuries. I had to lose weight and do some rehab for my injuries.
Your 50 points and 18 rebounds against Ginebra erased all doubts that you are one of the best imports in the current conference. What motivated you to come up with that monster performance?
I wouldn’t say motivated. I put in a lot of hardwork in my craft. I love what I do. There’s nothing else I would rather do than to play basketball. And my teammates have welcomed me with open arms. So what happened that night was a result of our love for the game.
How far can you carry NLEX in the tournament?
I don’t want to set a limit. Everything is possible.
What do you think is needed for NLEX to make it all the way to the finals?
I think if we play defense, we will be all right.
How do you find your team and Coach Boyet Fernandez?
I enjoy playing for NLEX. We have a good mix of veterans and rookies. I am definitely enjoying my stint with NLEX. Coach Boyet gives me freedom to play my game.
What message do you have for NLEX and PBA fans?
Keep supporting NLEX. We appreciate your support.
And for the fans to continue to support you all the way to the finals?
That’s the plan (laughs).
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