Kristofer Acox was still battling jetlag in his debut for the Star Hotshots Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. But the 23-year-old did not appear to be troubled by it, as he managed to collect 18 points and 18 rebounds.
It could have been a sweet PBA debut for the Iceland-native, but his double-double effort went to naught as the Hotshots succumbed to the TNT Katropa, 104-99, all thanks to import Glen Rice Jr.’s excellent 43-19-9 performance.
“It was a loss, but I thought we had a good performance,” said Acox of his first game. “Obviously, it’s tough coming in as a new player in the middle of the season and try to find the chemistry with the team. But I felt like we held our own.”
And as mentioned, Acox rued that jetlag really got the best of him despite the decent numbers he put up. The Furman University alumnus is recently coming off a stint with Iceland’s national team in the 2017 FIBA Eurobasket.
“It took me about two days to get here,” he said, as he flew straight from Finland. “It’s about an eight-hour time difference for me, so I’m still trying to get used to that time difference and get my rest. But by Friday I should be good to go.
“I only got one practice before the game. But, yea, I got a week to rest and kinda adjust a little bit, so I’ll be good by Friday [against Kia Picanto].”
He may still be in the process of acclimatizing both in the country and with the Hotshots, but the wide-bodied, six-foot-five wingman already believes that he can fit just right to coach Chito Victolero’s system.
“It feels pretty well,” he said. “Lot of pick and rolls, which is one of my strengths. The guards, they really like to push the ball running and get out in transition and play good defense.
“I think I’m a good fit for this team.”
