MANILA – Chris Newsome thanked the Meralco Bolts management for keeping their faith in him despite their previous failures to capture the elusive Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) championship.
According to the Filipino-American forward, it was the management’s trust and faith that fueled him to lead the Bolts to 2024 PBA Philippine Cup coronation at the expense of the mighty San Miguel Beermen.
“Ever since the day I was drafted, you believe in me, the coaching staff believe, and we got the job done, so Meralco this is for you,” Newsome said in his speech after receiving his Finals MVP trophy.
“Thank you for believing in us since Day 1, nobody believes in us except us, and I appreciate you for being there for us since day 1,” he added, referring to the Bolts’ management.
Prior to winning their PBA championship in 14 years in the league, Newsome and the Bolts suffered four PBA championship heartbreaks, all at the expense of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.
Newsome, the No. 4 overall pick during the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, tallied averages of 22.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists in the six-game finals series to earn the PBA Finals MVP citation.
The former Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles star capped his efficient finals performance with a game-winning basket during their 80-78 escape over the Beermen in Game 6 of the best-of-seven title series.
“Credit that to (Bolts active team consultant) coach Nenad (Vucinic); he knew that I wanted to go to my right side for that corner fadeaway; that is the shot that I am practicing every day, honestly, thousands of thousands of times,” Newsome said.
“My team and my organization believed in me; they wanted the ball in my hands; they had confidence in me, and that gave me the confidence to hit that shot. I am just blessed that we won it today,” he added.
Newsome and the Bolts are hoping that their PBA Philippine Cup feat will signal the start of more championship runs for the franchise./PN
