Rookie big men Keith Datu and Brandon Bates are looking forward to their respective matchups with the Philippine Basketball Association’s premier center June Mar Fajardo when the Commissioner’s Cup reels off on 5 November.
“I’m definitely excited. They have that star-power effect (June Mar, Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar),” said Datu, who stands 6-foot-8 during their podcast interview with DAILY TRIBUNE’S Down To The Wire podcast.
“It definitely gives me an opportunity to display my capabilities and I’m confident that I can play with the big boys,” added the Rain or Shine newcomer.
Standing 6-foot-10, Fajardo is the yardstick among bigs in the league given that he is a six-time Most Valuable Player awardee.
Also listed at 6-foot-8, Bates, who will suit up for Meralco, seems to be drooling over the idea of banging bodies with Fajardo.
“I’m game to do it. I can’t wait. I’m definitely big enough having played against imports. But I expect that I’ll be getting big, learning experience,” said Bates, who regularly gets pointers from big man mentor and league legend Norman Black.
Also lending a hand to ensure Bates’ progress are head coach Luigi Trillo and consultant Nenad Vucenic.
