‘Team player’ Paul Harris fills Ginebra’s needs

Paul Harris during Ginebra-Globalport tune up game. Photo by Randolph Leongson

In his first three PBA stints with TNT Paul Harris has never finished the conference lower than the semifinals.

Enlisted as the newest reinforcement for Ginebra, the 29-year-old forward is hoping to sustain that magnificent run and help the crowd favorites end their eight-year title drought.

But he knows that getting there isn’t going to be a breeze, and he wants to focus first on adapting to the system of legendary coach Tim Cone.

“He’s the mastermind. He’s been in this league more than anybody. It’s an honor to be here and be able to play for him, to learn his system,” said Harris. “I’m still learning and adjusting as well, but I feel that our team is getting better day-by-day.”

A lot has changed with Harris since he last suited up back in the 2014 Governors’ Cup, and he also welcomes the fresh start with a younger crew in Ginebra.

“So far, it’s been good,” he said. “In my previous team, we have lots of veterans. Here, we are still growing, learning each other on the court. But for the most part, we’re unselfish. We are playing together and that’s what you wanna do if you want to win.”

Despite his gaudy resume, Harris still hasn’t won a title since his debut in the 2011 Commissioner’s Cup. But just like his new team, he feels optimistic with the Gin Kings’ chances this season-ending conference.

“I like our team. We got a lot of guys that play hard, playing together, and moving the ball. We have a lot of learning to do within the next week, hoping we could get Japeth (Aguilar) back. Still, we’re missing Greg (Slaughter), but once we get everybody back, we’ll be working in getting our chemistry going,” he said.

And teammate LA Tenorio believes Harris is just what the doctor ordered for Ginebra, getting the “energy guy” they badly need.

“Yun ang kailangang kailangan namin defensively and offensively, especially with Greg out and Japeth still out for a couple of days,” he said. “Yun talaga ang kailangan namin, yung katulad ni Paul. He’s really a team player. He talks to everyone, he’s ready to work, and yung work ethic nya, nakakahawa.”

“Hopefully, Paul can help us get there,” continued Tenorio. “But it’s not just the import but the whole team has to really support each other. Nakikita naman namin na yung improvement ng team, nakukuha na talaga namin.” Miguel de Leon/ Philippine Daily Inquirer trainee