Marqus Blakely was far from his usual self during the Blackwater Elite’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup debut on Wednesday.
The former Best Import only had a PBA career-low four points — the lowest output of an import this season — on just four shots. He additionally had five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
Blakely’s off-game seemingly affected the whole Elite team as well, as they bowed to the TNT KaTropa, 107-135.
Given that, Blakely took the blame for the disappointing 28-point loss — the largest margin since the KaTropa’s 72-108 loss to the Alaska Aces in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals.
“I will take the blame for today’s game,” said the nine-year pro, who’s now in his seventh tour of duty in the league.
For Blakely, as one of the Elite’s veterans, he allowed his team to commit errors. He also failed in his duty to get them all to understand that everyone has to play together as one and buy into their game plan; and understand that numbers alone do not automatically translate to victories.
“One of the main things is playing together, trusting each other, buying in. Those are the things that don’t show on the scoreboard but will show on the scoreboard,” Blakely said
“When it comes down to stats and the understanding that that’s not what winning’s about… Not until we all buy in for the goal [will stuff change],” added the 30-year-old forward.
“I will take the blame for today’s game because as a leader, I allowed a lot of that stuff to happen.”
So from now on, Blakely vowed that he will do his best to be a leader to the young Elite.
“From here on now, I will take it under my wing to hold people account whether defensively, offensively, shot selection, boxing out… Whatever it is,” the two-time PBA champion said.
“If we’re not going to do those things, I will let you know about it. We’re not here just to play, we’re here to win, and I think that’s another thing about buying in. We’re here to win,” he added.
“So anything that we need to do as individuals to help the team, that’s what we have to do.”
