Ever the true professional, Mike Harris tipped his hat to Magnolia after the Hotshots the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup championship on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, at the expense of his Alaska Aces.
“They did a great job. They did what they were supposed to do,” said Harris moments after their 86-102 defeat.
“Nothing but respect for those guys.”
However, Harris was also left seething. Not because of the loss, but because one of the Hotshots had apparently mocked him and his team; something which, according to accounts, happened during and after the game.
One account even said that that player ā one of Magnolia’s veterans ā made a cooking gesture during the championship ceremony.
“They mocked us.
“It was just a lack of respect. Total disrespect of character for a person to be like that, especially someone of their age and respect in the league. But itās okay. Donāt worry about it,” said Harris, who did not name the player.
Given that situation, the 35-year-old said that it is one reason why he would love to come back next year.
“Donāt worry about it. Itās part of the game, theyāre excited,” shared Harris.
“But itās something Iāll never forget. And itās great fuel for next year if theyāll have me back.
“Shout-out to Magnolia, they did a great job.,” addedĀ the reigning Best Import.
But aside from that personal vendetta, what pushes the former NBA D-League champion to return to Alaska is his love for the storied franchise, since he now calls all 17 Milkmen his newfound brothers.
“Theyāre the most professional club that Iāve been with in my career overseas, and they treat players like theyāre NBA teams,” said Harris, who has had stints with the Houston Rockets, the Washington Wizards, and the Utah Jazz.
“From the staff, the management they have, itās been nothing but respect. And thatās something Iāll never forget if Iām not the guy to come back next year. I love those guys ā those guys in the locker room, all seventeen of those guys. Iāve made some new brothers and Iāll definitely stay in contact,” he added.
“They chased me for eight years, so itās my turn to chase them for a few months now.”