JAKARTA – Wayne Chism would definitely love to go back to the PBA if ever the opportunity arises, and the circumstances allow him to do so.
The former Commissioner’s Cup Best Import didn’t hide that he’s really hoping to return to Asia’s pioneering pro league for another stint since he last suited up for Magnolia in the 2018 edition of the mid-season tilt for three games.
“I’m excited as hell. I’ll go back in two seconds — if it’s today, I’ll sign today. That’s how happy I would be to go back,” said the 35-year-old.
Chism did admit that he was given a ring by a PBA team but did not reveal which team it was. “I got a call, I can say that,” said the American cager.
Playing professionally since 2010, the former Tennessee Volunteer has been playing in Asia for the greater part of the last eight years. His first stint in the region was actually with Rain or Shine back in 2014 under Yeng Guiao.
Photo courtesy of PBA Images
That run with the Elasto Painters opened other doors for him, one that eventually led him to the Manama Club of Bahrain in 2017.
Despite being away from the PBA, Chism admitted that he still keeps tabs on the league — including the juicy rumors.
Now, Chism is the naturalized center of its national team, which he’s led to the second round of the FIBA World Cup 2023 Asian Qualifiers.
Bahrain wasn’t able to carry over that kind of success in the ongoing FIBA Asia Cup 2022 here as they bowed out with a 0-3 record in the group stage, but he’s nonetheless glad to see the program gain valuable experience.
“Very valuable, especially for the young guys,” Chism said.
“To me, this is a great experience and it’s valuable for me wherever I go [to] play next, I can make another step to play another level. This right here taught me a lot.”
The Bahraini crew will head home soon and focus on the World Cup Qualifiers in August, where they will have their work cut out for them as they are grouped together with Australia, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, and Japan.
It is going to be a busy stretch ahead for Bahrain but Chism keeps his fingers crossed for a chance to play in the PBA again.
(C) FIBA.basketball
“Hopefully I can go back there,” said the Tennessee native, who also played for NLEX under Guiao in 2017.
“Hopefully, I can get an offer.”
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