Denzel Bowles. PBA Images/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Returning import Denzel Bowles scored 31 points and that explosiveness on the offensive end showed why Purefoods brought him back for a third run at a championship.
But Bowles’ six rebounds — one fewer than what the shortest player in the league in Ginebra guard Eman Monfort had on Sunday night — indicates he’s still far from the player who won the Best Import award and led Purefoods to the championship at the same time two seasons ago.
Bowles admitted he still needs some time to get used to playing with his old teammates and familiarize himself with his former team after coming off a stint in the Chinese Basketball Association.
“I need to get familiar again,” said Bowles after the Hotshots absorbed a 96-87 loss to the Kings. “It just takes a little more time. I’m just a little rusty. Next game on Sunday I should be ready.”
Bowles is Purefoods’ third import this conference after Marqus Blakely and the disgruntled Daniel Orton.
Blakely was just a stopgap measure until Orton was available after his season in China ended.
Orton, though, was sent home following a six-point and three-rebound performance in a loss to Kia which he compounded with offensive statements directed at the league and Carnival playing-coach Manny Pacquiao.
The Hotshots, targeting a back-to-back Commissioner’s Cup championship, have since lost all their assignments after winning their first four games.
“No [I’m not worried],” said Bowles. “We just got to make the playoffs. That’s it. We’re not worried about seeding, we’re not worried about who we play, we just need to make it to the playoffs.”