One for the road
Entering the Foundation Cup, the Cignal HD Hawkeyes were given a tough task: play seven games in a span of 25 days. But one Hawkeye was given an even tougher challenge, as Davon Potts had to balance out his duties for both Cignal and the San Beda College Red Lions.
Since May 24, the 24-year-old Filipino-American will have played 16 games in 27 days by Wednesday, June 21. And he had to do this to complete his D-League residency in order to be eligible for the 2017 PBA Draft.
But with his D-League run about to end on Tuesday, when Cignal take on the Racal Motors Alibaba, Potts could not help but be grateful that he was part of Cignal’s magical campaign this season.
“It’s real special. I didn’t, obviously, plan all this to happen,” the 6-foot-3 swingman shared. “Still, it’s a blessing to be a part of this team. We all put the hard work in, put all the time in to do what to do.
“I’m hoping we get the win before I go out.”
From winning the Aspirants Cup with his fellow Bedans to resetting the D-League record for highest winning margin, Potts’ run with Cignal has been nothing short of special.
But beyond the records and the championship, what made this memorable for the California-born cager is the brotherhood that he has formed with his Cignal teammates.
“To be honest, Cignal’s a family. I noticed that we all have talent in this team but still we stick together,” shared Potts, who is averaging 8.7 points and 2.0 rebounds this conference. “It’s very different. The biggest difference [between the NCAA and the D-League] is the maturity. Here in Cignal, we make sure that we are all professionals.
“It’s not a showcase over here and we can’t be selfish. We have to get everybody involved.”
Moreover, this campaign has made him closer to returning San Beda head coach Boyet Fernandez.
“It’s a big blessing. We talk a lot and talk about finding the next level. He’s been a coach in the PBA and has been someone I look up to.
“He taught me, mentored me, and be an inspiration for me to balance defense and offense to move forward to the next level,” Potts remarked about Fernandez, who is also the head coach of Cignal.
Come Tuesday afternoon, Potts has nothing special planned in his final D-League game, only wanting to enjoy this one last match with his brothers-at-arms.
“No! Everyone knows I’m a great teammate (laughs),” Potts quipped when asked if he plans to tear up the score board on Tuesday. “If I see someone open, I’ll still make the extra pass. If I’m open, I’ll take it. As long as I contribute to the game, that’s the only thing on my mind.
“As long as we win, that’s all that matters.”
