Though the mountain was just too high to climb this time around, Wayne Chism gladly embraced the ride.
Looking back, Chism had been brought in by the Magnolia Hotshots prior to their penultimate game of the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup, as they aimed to get into the quarterfinals following a shaky tread on the conference. Chism was their fourth import this conference.
With Chism in tow, Magnolia got what they wanted. They earned two straight wins at the expense of the NLEX Road Warriors – his previous team – and the San Miguel Beermen, and the Hotshots punched a ticket to the next round.
But unfortunately, the Hotshots placed seventh heading into the quarters, which put them at a twice-to-beat disadvantage against the second-seeded Alaska Aces. And on Tuesday, Magnolia bowed out, 78-89.
Tuesday night’s loss broke Magnolia’s four-conference semifinal streak, which began back in the 2017 Philippine Cup when the franchise was still carrying the Star Hotshots brand.
But even if he lasted only three games, Chism relished the experience.
“I enjoyed this challenge,” said Chism, who had 20 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
“It was the best challenge I ever had – to come for two games and actually help the team make the playoffs and try to advance in the playoffs.
“It was a great time for me, I really enjoyed the pressure I was under to get the two wins — actually three — but we fell short today and I’m happy they gave me the opportunity,” added the product of the Tennessee Volunteers program.
Asked if him coming early to the Hotshots would’ve changed the course of their run, the 31-year-old thinks so.
“If I came early, there’s no telling what the outcome could be. The outcome could be, we could have won. I feel like if I could have come early, we probably would have better chemistry and the team could have flowed better,” he pointed out.
“But I came here with the coaching staff and the bosses wanting me here and I can’t argue with that and I came in and I did what I was supposed to do.”
