For Lester Prosper, the opportunity to play for such a storied team as San Miguel is too hard to pass up.
The 6-foot-10 slotman will be one of the Beermen’s reinforcements when the most successful PBA franchise sees action in the East Asia Super League’s The Terrific 12, happening on September 17-22 in Macau, China.
“You don’t get to play with a team with that much history every day, so I said yes.”
Prosper is coming off a stint with Columbian in the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup, where he came in after the Dyip’s 1-3 start. He was impressive enough that the team believed they may have made the playoffs had he arrived earlier.
Prosper averaged 33.6 points, 16.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.6 blocks across seven games. Asked if his fine play with Columbian played a factor in San Miguel’s invitation, the 30-year-old from Miami thinks so.
“They could have offered anyone but they offered me. I am guessing it’s through my play with Columbian Dyip,” Prosper told Tiebreaker Times.
Prosper is expected to arrive on September 8. He will then head to meet a team very different from the Dyip. But he may not find it hard to adjust, as his good friend Rashawn McCarthy has told him about San Miguel. McCarthy played for the Beermen in the 2016-17 season, where SMB won the first two conferences.
The two have known each other since college. Additionally, McCarthy batted for the latter when Columbian were as looking for an import.
“He told me they are hardworking, very professional, and it’s a positive environment to be around,” said Prosper.
Given that, the eight-year journeyman looks forward to playing with his new teammates, who have made a strong case as the best all-Filipino crew of all time after winning an unprecedented five straight Philippine Cup titles.
“I’m excited to play with these guys. They are full of experience, and they play very smart and hard,” Prosper said.
“Also, SMB plays tough and rugged, so I’m happy to join that kind of basketball even if it’s for a short time.”
