For Allen Durham, what he was aiming for back in 2016 is still what he aims for this 2018.
The reigning, two-time PBA Best Import is back with the Meralco Bolts for the third straight season, and what he’s really after is the Governors’ Cup title, something he has yet to win since debuting in 2016.
“Personally, I have nothing to prove. I think we need a championship,” Durham said. “It’s all about the team right now. I don’t have nothing to prove. You guys see me play. I’ve been here for three years so I focus on just championship.
“I was hungry the first two times. Nothing’s change. I still wanna win the championship.”
Durham and the Bolts’ bid for the crown began on the right foot on Friday evening, as they overcame a sluggish start and the tough challenge given out by the Columbian Dyip, 109-106, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Though he has yet to adjust to the country again and shake off jetlag, Durham had been nothing but impressive, producing 26 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists in over 41 minutes of playing time.
It is, indeed, a great start to their conference and their aspirations of bagging home Meralco’s first-ever PBA title. However, Durham remains grounded, as there is a long road ahead in this the season-ending tilt.
“You know, we just have to play our brand of basketball. As the conference goes on, people will be tired and that’s when we have to check in mentally,” he said. “Once we hit our level, I think we’re one of the better teams in the league.
“We just gotta stay focused. Take one game at a time and we’ll see where it leads us at the end of the eliminations.”
