For years, TNT Katropa import Jeremy Tyler and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Charles Garcia have shared the court together as opponents. The two fought on a daily basis back in California, and even in the NBA D-League.
This time around, they made Manila their battleground.
During the Katropa’s 96-92 win over the Gin Kings, the two foreign reinforcements seemed to exchange sweet-nothings with 1:55 left to play, and their verbal trades extended all the way to the post-game handshake between the squads.
“I played against him throughout my career a lot. I played him in the D-League, I played against him just like Monday to Friday at the gym at home every week so I’m familiar with his game,” Tyler disclosed.
“We had an exchange of words and I just said ‘Hey, you’re tired, you’re not thinking straight. Just take a breather, you don’t have to argue and let’s just play ball’,” the 26-year-old American explained about their exchanges.
“It may look like it’s a rough talk, but that’s because we’re intense.
“I’ve known Charles for 10 years plus,” added the former NBA cager. “So I just told him, ‘You’re tired, we’re both tired, let’s relax and get our mind back right.’
“That was basically it.”
Garcia was contacted for further comments regarding the issue, but the 6-foot-10 power forward did not want to talk about it. “No comment,” he said.
It was truly a sour Sunday night for Tyler. Aside from being involved in the mini spat, Tyler had an underwhelming outing despite having 15 rebounds, as he only scored two points. But he should be spared from further scrutiny.
Tyler is still recovering from gastroenteritis, and he only checked out of Cardinal Santos Hospital in San Juan City this morning.
“I had a really bad gastroenteritis or something like that, a little infection in my stomach. I was pretty messed up this morning before I left the hospital,” shared the nine-year journeyman.
“Got enough rest, just came out to support the guys and be here and be a part and try to help get the win and we did so it’s a blessing.”
