Beermen’s import tries to make an impact

MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Watson, snubbed for years by PBA teams, is determined to make the most of his stint with San Miguel Beer in the PBA Governors’ Cup.

A winner in many other leagues, Watson hopes to carry his winning ways and help the Beermen achieve another grand slam.

“They finally gave me a shot. I know they’re going for a grand slam, and I’m happy they brought me here to be a part of it,” said the Ball State alum.

 “I’ve been studying, wanting to play in this league for the past four years, and every team I think kind of passed up on me,” said Watson of the situation making him eager to provide the Beermen the boost they need in their slam drive.

Watson turned in a solid PBA debut with 28 points and 17 rebounds, helping the Beermen stop the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 107-103, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

San Miguel coach Leo Austria liked what he saw in Watson, their third import in the PBA Governors Cup after Wendell McKines and Terik Bridgeman.

“We’re after a Top Four finish (in the elims). It looks achievable now,” said Austria, convinced they finally got the import that can help them get a good shot at completing a Triple Crown.

“He’s fresh from the Israel league where he won the championship. Anywhere he’s been, the lowest finish he got was runner-up,” said Austria, underscoring Watson’s record as a winner.

Austria also marbled at Watson’s physical upside.

“He’s like a seven-footer with his long reach. His reach is longer than that of Yancy de Ocampo,” said Austria.

With their back-to-back wins over Rain or Shine and Ginebra, the Beermen are now tied with TNT KaTropa at fourth place with their identical 5-3 win-loss slates.