Returning Sutton ‘very different’ player from last PBA stint

Globalport import Dominique Sutton. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It’s been two years since Dominique Sutton played in the PBA, but the 6-foot-5 forward couldn’t feel more at home with GlobalPort.

And what helps him in his adjustment period is the presence of his former coach in Air21 and now Batang Pier team consultant Franz Pumaren.

“It’s not hard to adjust. It’s just about coming in and being ready to play,” he said. “Coach Franz knows my style of play. He knows what I can bring to the table and it’s my job to get better. At the end of the day, everybody’s going to look at the import to carry the team so I’m mentally ready for it.”

Sutton helped Air21 shock second-seed San Miguel in the 2014 Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals in what would be the franchise’s final conference in the league, and he is hopeful to make the same impact with a younger GlobalPort team this time out.

“I’m all in for it. I’m ready to help this team develop a winning culture,” he said.

Unlike last time, Sutton will enjoy a younger and more deadly arsenal of teammates, with Terrence Romeo, Stanley Pringle, and new acquisition Karl Dehesa expected to take the bulk of the offensive load for the Batang Pier.

“For me, that’s good that I know I don’t have to do everything. I can relax a bit and help defensively, not waste a lot of energy playing defense and offense and help the team win,” he said.

But Sutton makes it clear that he has improved since the last time he stepped on the floor in the PBA.

“I’m a very different player.”

“I’ve gotten better individually. I wasn’t in a good vibe mentally at that time. A lot of people still doubt me even from the first time I came in. Last time I came, it was a different mindset for me because I was coming from a bad team and had a bad year. Mentally, I was messed up. Now I’m coming in with a lot of confidence and I continue to work on my game and craft,” he continued. “I know what to expect already and we’re going to see what happens.”