Thomas Robinson is excited to finally play in the PBA after a back injury derailed his supposed stint with San Miguel Beer last season.
The former NBA veteran will reinforce NLEX in the upcoming Commissioner’s Cup, serving as one of the high-profile imports set to see action in the season-opening conference that starts November 5 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s been good so far. I’ve been here for a few weeks now, just training with my team, and getting to know everybody. Just excited to start the season,” he told reporters during the league’s recent Media Day at One Esplanade in Pasay.
Robinson was all set to play for the Beermen in the same conference last season but got hurt just days before the tournament opener.
The 32-year-old forward was then replaced by Diamond Stone, and eventually flew back home to the States to focus on his recovery.
(C) PBA Images
He took his act to the Baloncesto Supra Nacional in Puerto Rico after healing up but the Kansas product still wanted to have another crack at the PBA.
“It was something that I wanted to happen,” Robinson said. “I wanted it to happen last year but didn’t get a chance, so I figured I’d give it another shot.”
The former fifth overall pick got the chance he’s been hoping for thanks to new Road Warrior Robbie Herndon, whom he met in San Miguel.
(C) PBA Images
“The situation with San Miguel last year was just unfortunate. Just unfortunate that I got hurt right before the [conference]. It was really nobody’s fault … Rob called me, it got down a week later,” Robinson said.
Now, barring any hitch like last year, Robinson is aiming to achieve success with NLEX, which begins its campaign on November 10 versus Phoenix.
“I wanna win big,” said the naturalized Lebanese.
“I wanna be able to lead my team to a successful season. I wanna be able to take some of the younger players and be able to push them up to another level.”
