Bittersweet Game One win for Josh Urbiztondo
Last February, Josh Urbiztondo was tapped by the Singapore Slingers to bring his experience to the squad. Urbiztondo, an eight-year PBA veteran and a one-time PBA champion, was considered someone who could make an immediate impact while providing leadership to a young squad.
And Singapore’s investment proved to be a sound one, as Urbiztondo scattered eight points and four assists in 27 minutes of action in Game One of their best-of-three series against Alab Pilipinas.
“I’m happy with the win. It’s always important to take the first one, especially at home. Individually, the most important thing is the team win for me whatever happens,” the 6-foot Filipino-American floor general said.
“I played well, I think the team played well and with intensity. We just brought it defensively tonight.
“We’re a team that […] play really well offensively when we get stops and buckle down on defense, which I think we did tonight,” he added, as the Slingers limited Alab to just a 35 percent shooting clip while forcing 15 turnovers that led to 16 points.
During his short stay with the Slingers, Urbiztondo shared that he is treated well by the proud organization. And he is trying to repay them by providing what is asked of him.
“The Slingers is not like the other teams in the ABL. The Singapore Slingers is more of systematic — sharing the ball, moving the ball, running the system,” the former PBA All-Star added.
“Whatever missing link there is — the leadership, the championship experience I have been through — I hope to bring it to the young guys. I just wanna bring my leadership to the team. Whatever the missing link is, I wanna contribute in any way.”
But facing a Philippine squad gave Urbiztondo he admitted. Needing to be a professional, the native of San Francisco, California shrugged it off.
“It’s a little weird, but at the same time, I have to be professional about it.
“I approach each game in the same way every time, no matter who my opponent is. That got me my success throughout the years. And maybe playing against familiar faces, but the competitiveness is there. It was fun. It was a great crowd tonight. I’m glad we got the win,” he shared.
Urbiztondo is looking forward to coming back home on Friday, though, as his Slingers try to close out the semifinals at the Baliwag Star Arena in Bulacan.
“I haven’t been away from the Philippines for longer than a month and a half — so this is the longest. It’s definitely exciting going home and definitely, I’m sure there will be full crowd there,” he enthused.
“Definitely looking forward to going home. I’m excited to go home and play in front of the family and crowd there.”
