Alex Nuyles with his former team Kia. PBA FILE PHOTO
TNT’s 108-102 victory against Blackwater on Wednesday to start the 2016 Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup wasn’t just any win for Alex Nuyles.
In a way, it marks his return to the PBA.
“Sa wakas, nakalipat na,” said the wingman, who has been out of action since the 2015 Governors’ Cup.
READ: Nuyles left out in the cold as Kia says he wasn’t ‘fit’ with system
Though he failed to score in his 11 minutes on the floor as a starter for the Tropa, Nuyles relished the chance to once again play in the bright lights of the PBA.
“Yung mga coaches, patient naman sila na makabalik ako sa game. Every time na magkakamali, ok lang ngayon hanggang sa maka-recover sa dati kong form,” said the former Adamson Falcon.
It had been a tough road for Nuyles, who endured a contractual dispute with his former team along with other players.
READ: Nuyles stars as Rain or Shine gets back at GlobalPort
Though his contract was ultimately honored, the rift had obviously done damage as evidenced by Nuyles’ inactivity in the past Philippine Cup.
“Nung nandoon ako, sabi ko lang ‘kaya ko to.’ Di ako tumigil,” he said, as he finally got that sigh of relief after overcoming a tough stretch in his young career.
Naturally, Nuyles needs adjusting to the changing style of the game in the PBA, but it’s something he’s willing to go through.
“Iba pa rin pag di ka nakakapaglaro. Nanibago ako sa mga tawag,” he said. “Pero keep fighting lang. Keep the faith kay God na kaya pa, and work hard.”