Kyle Barone glad to end Columbian Dyip stint on right note

If Kyle Barone had his way, he would want to stay longer with Columbian.

However, win or lose, Columbian was dead set to replace Barone after the team’s 0-3 start in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup. His replacement, Lester Prosper, will now be flying to the Philippines on June 4.

“I wanted to ride it out but they made their decision and I respect their decision,” said the 6-foot-10 American slotman.

“I’m just gonna move on and I wish them the best of luck.”

Barone had his last dance with the Dyip Saturday against the NLEX Road Warriors. And he didn’t waste the moment.

The product of Idaho produced 31 points on 54.2-percent shooting, on top of eight rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals to help his team earn a 120-105 victory — finally, a win for them.

It was the best performance as of yet of Columbian. But that somehow left Barone with a bit of regret.

“We played well tonight.

Everybody’s moving the ball, everyone was shooting and we’re making shots. It’s fun, that happens. Too bad we couldn’t play that way since I got here,” he said.

Still, Barone is nothing but grateful to the Columbian organization for the opportunity he has been given.

“I just thank them for having me out here,” he said. “It was great. The fans, everybody’s been really nice to me, everybody welcomed me.

“I just thank the fans, to everybody who was involved.”

Now, Barone still doesn’t know where he’s headed next. But if ever a PBA team come knocking at his door for his services sometime in the near future, he’ll definitely give it a go.

“Yeah. Whoever wants to sign me, I’m here. I’m just ready.”