Rhett recovers from poor start in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

MJ Rhett drops a triple-double as Blackwater stuns Alaska. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Slowly but surely, Blackwater import MJ Rhett is turning the page after his forgettable debut.

Three games in, the 23-year-old has gotten himself accustomed to the style of the PBA. That showed on Friday as he registered a triple-double of 18 points, 21 rebounds, and 10 assists to help the Elite notch their first back-to-back franchise victories with a 107-101 upset win over Alaska.

READ: PBA: Blackwater upsets Alaska behind Rhett’s triple-double

“I’m happy, proud of our organization. I’m glad that we’re playing with confidence and I’m playing better and getting better day-by-day,” said Rhett. “Hopefully, I can continue what we’re doing.”

Though it took time, the Tennessee standout took it upon himself to prove his doubters wrong and reach the expectations set by the Blackwater management.

“My first game isn’t so good. I told him to just be patient on me. I’ll keep learning, keep getting better and that’s what I’m doing,” he said. “I’m getting used to it. I’m more acclimated with the whole league, how it’s being played, the tempo, everything. I’m feeling more comfortable.”

Rhett knows the challenge laid down to the table by the coaches and the management, and he is trying his earnest to deliver for Blackwater.

“Coach and the organization just wants me to play better. Being the import, I know their expectations, so I just got to keep on bringing it,” he said. “I want to be an all around guy. I don’t want to be the guy who scores 30 points a night. I want to do everything, I like to share the ball, get my teammates involved, and make my teammates happy.”