Denzel Bowles’ return to the PBA was not an ideal one.
Playing in the Filipino pro league for the first time since 2016, Bowles had 31 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks, but his efforts were not enough as his Rain or Shine bowed to Meralco, 84-91, Friday night.
“We started off pretty hot in the first half. We just didn’t pull away,” said Bowles, as RoS had a 28-20 lead early before the Bolts came back en route to the win that sent them back into the win column of the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
“We were just one, two shots away from blowing it open but we just cant get a comfortable lead. And they came out very strong in the second half.”
But Bowles was not that disappointed. He’s simply glad to finally be back in the league where he’s been well-loved — Bowles will forever be remembered as the one who brought B-Meg Llamados the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup crown.
“It was fun. I’m glad a got a highlight in the first play of the game just to welcome myself back here,” said Bowles, recalling that two-handed dunk off a hop step — which then became a three-point play — for the first points of the game.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunity, for Rain or Shine giving me another chance because I always love playing here.”
And now that he’s back — Bowles was supposed to return in 2017 by way of TNT KaTropa but issues stalled such — the 30-year-old is now looking to stay longer and hopes that he will keep playing in the PBA for the rest of his career.
“Hopefully, we can win some games and I could stay for the whole season, and continue to keep playing in the PBA for the rest of my career.”
