Blackwater’s Asian import Imad Qahwash. PBA IMAGES
Blackwater’s Asian import Imad Qahwash admitted he is still adjusting to his new team after staying with the Elite for less than a month.
Qahwash went to China for two weeks due to his duties as a brand ambassador, coming back to the Philippines only around a week before his PBA debut.
“It was an adjustment, I was away from the team for two weeks, it was tough to adjust,” said Qahwash Friday at Ynares Center-Antipolo. “Playing with guys I’ve played with for just the first time in my life, it was definitely and adjustment playing in the PBA and playing in this team.”
“I didn’t play as much as I wanted, that’s normal because I was away.”
Qahwash was scoreless in 14 minutes but contributed in other ways coming away with four rebounds and three assists.
“I’m still learning what the team wants and how to play with them,” said Qahwash. “I thought I got the ball to the right players, we played as a team, we just came up short.
Qahwash, though, is not a complete stranger to Philippine basketball.
During the 2015 Fiba Asia Championship, Qahwash was part of the Palestinian squad that dealt the Philippines its opening loss in the tournament.
Gabe Norwood was part of that team that eventually recovered and won the silver medal.
“I talked to him, he’s a good player for them, and I wish them luck but at the same time it doesn’t matter who’s on the court.”