It’s never easy managing expectations, yet Clint Chapman showed otherwise after a remarkable debut to help Magnolia nab its first win of the year, Saturday.
The seasoned globetrotter fired 39 points and 15 rebounds to star in the Hotshots’ 121-109 drubbing of Macau to break through in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, doing all that despite joining the team just last Tuesday.
“It’s always tough to come in and have a few days to prep with a new team,” he admitted moments after the victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Chapman joined a team that hasn’t tasted a win since the last Philippine Cup, and so, it was inevitable that he came under the scrutiny of fans and observers, wondering if he’s the answer to the team’s struggles in the midseason tilt.
He was brought in to take the place of Nuni Omot as Coach LA Tenorio and his staff deemed that an import switch could be the solution after a 0-3 start following losses to Phoenix, NLEX, and regular league minnow Blackwater.
(C) PBA Images
And right in his first game, the former Texas Longhorn washed away all doubts with a solid showing, which saw him lead their strong third-quarter surge and contribute to their strong finish–something they lacked in previous games.
As a result, one of the league’s most popular franchises finally won, effectively ending a six-game losing skid that dates back to last year
The last time that Magnolia won a game was on December 7, a 98-82 conquest of NLEX to clinch a Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinal berth.
“Coach, I think, trusted me as far as bringing in an experienced player, and bringing in size because that’s what we need,” said the 6-foot-10 Chapman.
“We need defense, we need size in the paint, and we need leadership. Those are the things that were expected of me upon my arrival.”
Making it all the more memorable for the Oregon-native was winning his first PBA game–and playing the way he did–at the historic Big Dome.
“First game’s great; a lot of history in this arena, so to have my first PBA match here, and get a win, that feels really special,” he reflected.
“I’m excited to be here. I’ve heard nothing but great things about the league for so long.”
As glad as he was to get his first game done, Chapman is looking forward to what lies ahead in the ongoing conference, for they will have more time to build the kind of chemistry and camaraderie they’re hoping to achieve.
“The first game’s always a little tough, and now the exciting part is we have time to get better,” said the 37-year-old American.
