Eric Wise of Barako Bull (dark) vs Gary David and Cliff Hodge of Meralco (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — There wasn’t much talk surrounding Eric Wise apart from being a second-generation import.
But Wise, son of Francois, who played five seasons in the PBA in the 1980s, immediately carved out a name for himself in lifting Barako Bull over Meralco, 95-94, in the opener of the 2014 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 24-year-old Wise scored 33 points, including the game-winning free throw with 1.3 seconds left, to go along with 16 rebounds and six assists in his PBA debut.
“Not really [nervous] but I was really excited to play,” said Wise, whose marginal free throw came after drawing a foul on former NBA veteran Terrence Williams.
“I’m glad I was able to hit some shots. I was just happy I was able to deliver when they gave me the ball.”
Unlike Wise, Williams, an 11th overall pick by New Jersey (now Brooklyn) in the 2009 NBA Draft, was a highly-touted import given his credentials and his impressive showing in tuneup games.
Williams though failed to live up to his billing with just 19 points on seven-of-28 attempts from the field, 20 of which came beyond-the-arc with most of his shots either forced or ill-advised.
“He was an 11th pick for a reason so I know he can drive to the basket and he can shoot but we just want him to take tough shots,” Wise said of Williams.
The Energy needed to come back from 11 points down in the fourth quarter despite taking a commanding 21-point lead in the second period.
The six-foot-six Wise had nine points in the fourth quarter — firing seven in the final two minutes. Wise put his team on top, 94-92, on a nifty post move against Williams with 35.1 seconds left.
Gary David, who also had 19 points, knotted the count at 94 on two free throws with 5.3 ticks left before Wise drew the foul on Williams after a shot fake.
“Last play was for Eric talaga. We go to him. He’s not the most flashy import and he may not have the best credential but you would only know if the import is good until you see him play in actual game. The others they’re only good in practice games,” said new Barako Bull head coach Siot Tanquingcen, whose back running the sidelines after coaching stints with San Miguel Beer and Barangay Ginebra where he won three titles.
Barako Bull also drew solid contributions from its young players Jeric Fortuna, Carlo Lastimosa and Dave Marcelo.
Fortuna tallied 13 points, highlighted by a clutch 3-pointer that tied the game at 92 in the final minute, while Lastimosa scored 10 points and Marcelo had six points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
“We got good promising players here,” said Tanquingcen. “Jeric is a brave player. I just told him to always take that open shot. He made a good read on that play and it takes a lot to take that kind of shot,” said Tanquingcen of Fortuna’s big triple down the stretch.
“I wish I could be my dad but I’m here to make a name for myself. I know I have big shoes to fill but I’m looking forward to it,” said Wise, whose father ranks No.6 all-time in scoring among imports.
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