Back with a team he helped lead to the semi-finals two seasons ago, Sean Anthony felt both like a newcomer and a veteran in his first game back with the NLEX Road Warriors.
“It felt like we just picked up where we left off,” Anthony said. After a near triple-double of 14 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists during NLEX’s 90-86 win over Blackwater, the Filipino-Canadian grabbed a huge double-double with 11 points and 19 huge boards against Barako Bull.
Before the NLEX buyout of the Air21 franchise, Anthony was a key part of the Express’ 2013-14 run particularly in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup where Air21 made the semis. Anthony averaged 14 PPG and 7.7 RPG during that run.
Always a rebounding workhorse albeit undersized, Anthony always attracted the attention of coaches. He has started in almost half of his career games, and has used his toughness and hard-nosed, no non-sense approach to thrive and make impact in the league.
NLEX head coach Boyet Fernandez relayed how Anthony was sent to Meralco when NLEX took over the Air21 franchise, and he was happy to finally have the hardworking forward back in tow.
“Even though we needed a four man that time, because of the agreement of the previous management, we really had to let go of Sean. We were happy when there was a new development at the Meralco side when they got six (Fil-foreigners). Kia wanted a good shooter in Juneric Baloria and we negotiated the trade,” Fernandez said.
“When Aldrech and KG left us we had a vacuum at the four and Sean will fill up that spot. The opportunity is hard to pass. It gave us good results today and it seems it was a good decision.”
Anthony started against Blackwater and though he was “new” to the team, he felt like in familiar territory.
“It’s still a new team and we are adjusting but in the end I knew where Asi (Taulava) is gonna be or where Jonas (Villanueva) is gonna be. We made good rounds in the (2014) playoffs together and the chemistry is already there,” Anthony shared.
Anthony is giving the team more than just his toughness. He is a leader, an able passer, a decent floor-spacer, and a hard-nosed defender who can give NLEX the extra bite.
Back with a lineup which he knows is capable of winning, Anthony is just hoping for the best.
“We still have the same core from that semis run. We have great new guys. We are still going to get better and it’s good to see the young talent. We will make improvements as the season progresses.”
