Playing his first competitive basketball game since last year’s Asian Games, Marcus Douthit was obviously groping for form.
That’s understandable as the 6-foot-10 Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player, who is playing as a substitute import for Blackwater’s Chris Charles, has just been asked to reinforce the Elite a few days back.
Head coach Leo Isaac wants to fast track the conditioning of Douthit as well as speed up the recovery of Charles, who injured his hamstring a day before the start of the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Medyo he was able to help, but he’s not yet 100%. So until the time he shapes up properly, hopefully by our next game, maybe we can see brighter things for Blackwater,” said Isaac.
Douthit is serving as an import in the PBA for the second time in his career. He first suited up for Air21 three seasons ago and the team got eliminated early.
Isaac said they’re sticking with Douthit until doctors give Charles the go signal to play.
Charles, a seven-foot, former MVP in the Asean Basketball League said Douthit fared well in his first game back.
“I think he was important for the team. Just his presence out there, his size, is enough. I think he had a lot of rebounds, so I think his presence was important out there. He did what he could. This is his first game, so I think he handled it well,” added Charles.
For Douthit, he believes Blackwater, being one of the newest kids on the block, will just need the experience to finally get the win.
“They’re good enough to stick around in the game, they just gotta learn how to finish the game. But that will come with time. That will come with experience,” he added.
