Warner hoping for better output in return stint for GlobalPort

Calvin Warner in another tour of duty for GlobalPort. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Coming off a 30-hour flight from Dominican Republic, Calvin Warner didn’t let his long trip keep him from performing at his best when GlobalPort took the hardcourt on Friday.

“It feels great. I love the Philippines so it’s good to be back. I just tried to fight for my team and give them all I could give today,” he said.

And the “balik-import” didn’t disappoint.

READ: Romeo drops 33 as GlobalPort fends off import-less TNT

Warner proved to be the perfect compliment for the relentless GlobalPort squad outmuscled TNT, 107-101, b for their second win in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

With teammates Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle leading the fort, the 6-foot-5 reinforcement did it all with 11 points, 21 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Coach Pido Jarencio could only heap praises for GlobalPort’s returning import.

“Yung import namin, talagang he’s a true professional. Nagtrabaho sya ng husto kahit dumating lang sya kaninang 8 a.m.,” he noted.

READ: PBA: Alaska import Dozier sidelined with plantar fasciitis

Warner is treating his return to the PBA as a homecoming of sorts.

“It’s pretty much like going back to your family, going back to a place you know. I know the team, the system, and the coaches. I know where I’m living. It’s an easy transition. I just wish I could did better and had more time to get my body adjusted, maybe have a few practices to get my mind right,” he said. “It feels good and it’s a big advantage to go to a team where you know the players and even the new ones.”

Warner lasted for only four games in last year’s second conference before getting replaced by Derrick Caracter.

This time, he’s hoping to complete the entire conference.

READ: Rhett recovers from poor start in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

“I’m excited to be back and show what I can do again and hopefully, we can go farther this time,” said Warner. “I’m excited and happy to be here.”

Compared to last year, he’s also convinced that this team can compete in the playoffs.

“I like what I’m seeing so far and I hope we continue our progress and get better, everybody jells around me and fit better.”

Despite this being an import conference, Warner believes that the best way GlobalPort can make a deep run is that if they play as a team and not just rely on a few pieces.

“I don’t want the main focus to be on me. I want it in GlobalPort as a family, as brothers. You can have the best player and the best import, but if the team isn’t jelling, you won’t win a championship. I don’t care how great one player is, it’s about the team. It could only be a Terrence Romeo and a good import and you’ll win some games, but you won’t win a championship. You have to have the whole team together. This is my family right here so we have to have each other’s back.”