Tony Bishop will finally enjoy the support of the massive Barangay Ginebra San Miguel crowd when he plays in the Commissioner’s Cup of the Philippine Basketball Association starting this Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bishop said he is glad to play for the Kings and have almost the entire arena rooting for him after he was tapped to replace Justin Brownlee as import in the season-opening conference. Two years ago, Bishop was the villain in the eyes of Ginebra loyalists when he powered Meralco against the Kings in the best-of-seven finals series of the Governors’ Cup.
Although the Bolts lost, Bishop gained the respect of Ginebra coach Tim Cone, prompting him to hire him after Brownlee tested positive for a banned substance in the aftermath of Gilas Pilipinas’ historic win in the 19th Asian Games.
“I remember in the finals, I think 90 percent was Ginebra. But I love the fan base. It gave me energy even though they were booing me. I love that being the underdog as well,” said Bishop, the last import to lead the Bolts to the finals.
“I’m now looking forward to seeing them being the Sixth Man and giving them the boost that we need.”
Aside from Bishop, the Kings will also parade Maverick Ahanmisi, the high-scoring guard who walked into free agency after getting released by Converge.
Bishop said he and Ahanmisi are working doubly hard to fast track their adjustment to Cone’s system.
“We’re learning like a sponge right now. We’re trying to learn everything as much as we can and get the offense. We’re trying to develop chemistry,” Bishop said, adding that he felt the warmth given by the organization since arriving in Manila last week.
Although there’s pressure to deliver since he will be replacing a three-time Best Import awardee who led the franchise to six titles in Brownlee, Bishop said he will do his best to repay the trust given by the management.
“The vibe has been very good. They’re showing love, they’re showing support,” Bishop said.
“I felt weird coming to the other side. Coaches had been showing respect and players showing love. We’re just going to the basics, getting me acclimatized to the offense and defense. They’re just showing me the ropes. I’m happy to be here and ready to work.”
When asked about the team he is excited to face, Bishop came up with an intriguing answer.
“Meralco. It’s the No. 1 team on the list for me,” he said.
