Belgian import Thomas de Thaey couldn’t wait to play for Terrafirma when the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup opens this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
De Thaey said he has been hearing a lot of good things about the Filipino brand of game so he is looking forward to making his debut in the oldest professional basketball league in Asia.
“Of course, it’s my first time here, but I got to know about the PBA from some guys who used to play here,” De Thaey said.
“I got some references from them and from what I see so far, the basketball in the Philippines has been pretty good.”
De Thaey is used to a more structured European brand of play, something that is different from the Filipino style, which is quite similar to American game.
“In Europe, basketball is more disciplined,” De Thaey said.
“Here, players used to go up and down, a little bit run and gun and more like the NBA (National Basketball Association) style of basketball.”
“But I think both styles have their beauty. I’m excited to find out more about the playing style being played here.” De Thaey said he has followed some of the games in the PBA and was amazed by the skill set of the Filipinos, which is why he’s so excited to go out there and compete against them and his fellow reinforcements.
“I’ve been following it for a while, too. Some of my former teammates played here as well. It’s always been an intriguing league and situation,” De Thaey, who is looking to lead the Dyip to its first semifinal appearance, said.
“When this opportunity came up, I didn’t hesitate because it’s something that I really wanted to do.”
Among those former PBA imports whom De Thaey used to play with were Richard Howell of Phoenix Super LPG, James Mays of San Mig Coffee, and Mike Singletary, who played for multiple PBA squads.
“They’re some of the guys who are in my circle who played here (in the Philippines) and did well.”
