ANTIPOLO – Thomas Robinson didn’t hide that he was extra motivated in facing his supposed PBA team last season when NLEX took on the debuting San Miguel in Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup action on Wednesday night.
“It’s personal,” he said with a smile.
The former NBA veteran was all set to be the Beermen’s import for last season’s Commissioner’s Cup, but he was never able to suit up officially as he suffered a back injury during practice, prompting the team to bring in a replacement.
He returned home to the States to focus on his recovery and although there was optimism of him coming back later in the same conference, the management just stuck with Devon Scott for the remainder of their campaign.
But the 32-year-old still yearned for the opportunity to play in Asia’s pioneering pro league, and a door opened thanks to the Road Warriors — with the help of someone he knew during his brief stint with SMB in Robbie Herndon.
(C) PBA Images
“Unfortunately, it didn’t work out,” he said.
That extra push for Wednesday’s clash led to a solid night for Robinson. He finished with a game-high 42 points, on top of 20 rebounds, five assists, and a block as he helped NLEX come back from 19 down and win in OT, 117-113.
“He played his heart out. Makikita mo talaga sa kanya he didn’t want to lose this game. Kasi galing siya sa San Miguel,” offered head coach Frankie Lim of his reinforcement’s outing in the postgame presser at the Ynares Center here.
Although he said it’s personal, Robinson made it clear that he has nothing but respect for San Miguel. In fact, he actually shared a moment with Beermen governor Robert Non iduring the final moments of the game.
“I love all the players over there.
“I actually wish I got to play with those guys. I don’t know how the front office feels about me over there, but hopefully, there’s no bad blood. I respect the players over there,” Robinson closed.
