Manila – He might ended up scoreless but San Miguel Beermen guard Chris Ross made quite an impression in his Gilas Pilipinas debut in the 30th Southeast Asian Games men’s basketball.
The Filipino-American guard did the intangibles, just like what he is doing for the Beermen, in Philippines’ 110-58 win over Singapore on Wednesday evening to the delight of head coach Tim Cone.
“I think what I was most proud about was the first play of the game when Chris Ross blocked the shot of (Wong Wei) Long. I mean, he’s their star player and right off the bat, he sent a message that we’re gonna come out and play defense against you,” Cone said.
The 34-year-old Ross attempted just one field goal but ended up with 10 assists, one steal and a block.
“Just not forcing anything and playing together as a team,” Ross said. “I was nervous. I was nervous coming to the gym, I was nervous going to the locker room, seeing my jersey in the locker, I was nervous.”
“And then, coming out to a loud cheer from the great fans that watched us today, I was still nervous.” Added the two-time Defensive Player of the Year in the PBA. “We just have to be the best versions of ourselves, not just for us but for the whole country.”/PN
