Title only goal for West

MANILA, Philippines - Meralco import Mario West said the other day his only goal in coming back to the PBA is to win a championship for the Bolts because nobody remembers second place.  When he played for Meralco as a mid-conference replacement for Champ Oguchi last season, the Bolts went to the semifinals.  Now, West said it’s time to go all the way.

So far, Meralco has brought down top contenders Petron, 89-83, Talk ‘N’ Text, 92-86 and Alaska, 84-74.  The Bolts play Rain Or Shine at the Mall of Asia Arena tonight.

West, 29, confessed that he took it personal that Meralco brought in D. J. Kennedy as the Bolts’ first import choice.  Kennedy, however, was measured over the 6-5 limit by a fraction of an inch, prompting Meralco coach Ryan Gregorio to bring back West. The call came at the last minute. The day after West planed in from Atlanta, he suited up and scored 23 points in 38 minutes to lead Meralco over the Blaze Boosters.

The remarkable thing was West hadn’t played a game since tearing his meniscus in the right knee while playing in Mexico last February.  He underwent surgery and rehabbed furiously, knowing the third conference was just around the corner.  West knew he would be in game shape, no matter what, and left his fate up to God.

A born-again Christian, West said his grandmother raised him to have strong faith and his father challenged him to aim high. “After high school, I wasn’t really highly recruited and I thought of going to a small school Tennessee State,” said West.  â€œMy dad wanted me to go to Georgia Tech, a big Division I school, which was 30 minutes away from where we live.  So I tried out for a spot as a walk-on and I made it.  I never averaged in double figures in four years at Georgia.  I made sure to finish my studies so I could plan for a future after basketball.  I graduated with a degree in business management and economics.”

Although he wasn’t a big-time college player, West decided to try out for the NBA.  â€œIt’s been my dream to play in the NBA since I was seven,” he said.  â€œI wasn’t drafted so it was difficult to be noticed in camp. But I worked hard and coach (Mike) Woodson gave me a chance to play with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA summer league in Salt Lake City.  Before I knew it, I was signed up.  I came with another rookie Al Horford and I learned a lot playing with guys like Joe Johnson, Josh Smith and Jamal Crawford.”

West went on to play 162 games with the Hawks and New Jersey Nets in four seasons, earning close to $2 Million.  He had nine starts, averaging 1.0 point and 4.9 minutes throughout his career.  West also appeared in 24 playoff games.  â€œI’m blessed to have played in the NBA against stars like Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Paul,” he said.  â€œI can’t point to any one guy who gave me the most problems. They’re all great players.  In my basketball career, I’ve played either one or three, never two.  So I’ve matched up against some of the great ones.”

West has also played in Italy, Dominican Republic and Mexico.  Of his overseas assignments, he said the Philippines is his best stop.  â€œI love the Philippines,” he said.  â€œThe people are nice plus there really isn’t much to adjust to.  It’s like I’m in the US.  The food’s the same.  The Meralco organization treats me really well, like in the NBA.  I think the PBA is the most physical league I’ve played in, by far.  The PBA is like a mini-NBA.   The competition is great, the fans are great.  You couldn’t ask for more.”

West said patience is a virtue that was instilled by his grandmother.  â€œI left it up to God whether or not I would play in the NBA,” he said.  â€œAnd when I heard Meralco got D. J. instead, I told myself it’s up to the Lord.  I waited for a call and look what happened.  I expected to be called from the start but things happen for a reason.  My faith is what fuels me to work hard, to play my best every game.”

West was a long-shot to make it to the NBA. He averaged only 3.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in four years with Georgia Tech.  As a freshman, he averaged less than a point.  West will never be known as a Georgia Tech star like Chris Bosh, Will Bynum, Jarrett Jack, Stephon Marbury, Dennis Scott, Iman Schumpert or Thaddeus Young.  But he showed signs of incredible athleticism when he won the State Farm and ESPN slam dunk titles as a senior in 2007.  That athleticism, an inspiring work ethic and a strong faith are what earned for West a job in the NBA.

Asked about his corkscrew jumpshot release, West said it’s too late to change it.  â€œIf it’s going in, there’s no reason to change my shot,” he smiled.  Gregorio said West works himself to the bone beyond the call of duty.  â€œEvery day at 8 in the morning, he’s in the Meralco gym taking his 1,000 shots,” said Gregorio.  â€œThat’s how disciplined, dedicated and focused he is.”  

West has overachieved in his basketball career. But there’s one more thing he’d like to add to his glowing list of accomplishments.  He wants to lead Meralco to its first-ever PBA title.