Jordanian all-time basketball great, Sam Daghles said bringing in Asian imports to the PBA was a “wonderful move” by the league, and he is grateful to have landed in the Philippines to be part of the initial batch.
“I think it is a wonderful move. The PBA is smart for doing so. It will bring a lot of attention from all around the world. You have a Mongolian, Syrian, Jordanian, and so all these fans will be checking in,” Daghles said, comparing the PBA to the framework done by the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA).
“It did wonderful things for China and that is why they kept the rule, and the PBA is moving towards the top of basketball in Asia. I’ve been waiting for a lot of Asian countries to do so, but I like it that the PBA did it because for me they are right there behind China.”
In his first game for the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, Daghles filled in for the injured Jayson Castro (achilles tendon) as the team’s main facilitator, and finished with 12 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 95-91 win over Ginebra Sunday.
Daghles, who almost made the Olympics for Jordan back in the 2011 FIBA Asia Championship shared his excitement about the possibility to play side by side another highly-touted playmaker in Castro.
“It is challenging. When I came out here and saw how he played in the finals, I was excited to be a teammate for Jayson (Castro) and Ranidel (De Ocampo). It puts less pressure on me. I do what I do best. Find open guys and find guys in the right spots. I will make the job easier, and that’s what I am here for,” he shared.
“This is different from China. They let a lot of things go. I will get used to it. I like playing physical as well, but I just have to pick my battles. Today was more of a feel, but I am proud of my teammates.”
While Daghles is still trying to find his rhythm, he bared his ultimate goal would be winning another crown for a team that possesses two of the league’s best players.
“I am excited to play with him (Castro). I want to make his job easier, and we all have a common goal: winning another championship. That’s why I’m here,” he confidently said.
“They put the standard high by winning the title last conference so by bringing me in and another import, you know TNT nation can actually expect a championship every year.”
