It didn’t pan out the way he wanted, but Paul Harris nonetheless remains grateful for the opportunity to come back and play in the PBA.
The Phoenix Super LPG import took to Instagram on Saturday to express his many thanks. He bid goodbye after seeing another campaign in Asia’s pioneering pro league, unfortunately, cut short thanks to a hamstring injury.
“Special thank you to the Phoenix management, coaching staff for just giving me an opportunity to come back to the Philippines, for everything,” Harris opened in his heartfelt tribute. “Thank you for that.
“Thank you to my teammates for embracing me from day one, man we jelled right away. I wish you guys nothing but the best moving forward.“
The Syracuse product also took the time to express his appreciation for the PBA fans, which he calls ‘the best in the world.’
“Thank you to the fans! No matter if you were cheering for me or against me, you guys, in the PBA, the fans of the PBA, are the best in the world!”
A Commissioner’s Cup champion with powerhouse Talk ‘N’ Text in 2011, Harris found himself back for another stint in the Philippines as he signed up with the Fuel Masters for the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.
It was then seen as an opportunity for the New York native to complete any unfinished business half a decade ago.
It could be remembered that he was Barangay Ginebra’s import for the 2016 edition of the season-ending conference, but only played a single game as he suffered a hyperextended thumb injury versus GlobalPort.
But it’s too unfortunate that he suffered practically the same fate he had then. He hurt his hamstring during their Christmas Day game with NLEX.
Harris and Phoenix stayed patient with the injury with the belief that it would heal, but not even the sudden break due to pandemic-related reasons that lasted for over a month could help their cause.
Photo by PBA Images
The team had said that his recovery may take longer than expected, prompting the management to look for contingency plans.
The Fuel Masters have brought in San Beda product Donald Tankoua for stand-in purposes, but will actually parade another returning import in Dominique Sutton for Sunday’s game against the TNT Tropang Giga.
That leaves the club with two options for its foreign reinforcement as Harris has already left the country. His IG post shows him aboard a plane.
The 35-year-old played for a total of five games for Phoenix and posted averages of 17.6 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
But then again, Harris remains immensely thankful to have played in the country yet again, and vowed that he will return soon.
“And last but not the least, most importantly, thank you to the Man Above for answering my prayers and allowing me to come back and experience this joy and love that I have here in the Philippines,” he said.
“It will always have a special place in my heart. And I will be back. Love you guys. Blessings. Spread lots of love.”
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