Experience, versatility set Wright apart, says Vanguardia

Matthew Wright picked by Phoenix in the Gilas draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

It may seem like a gamble, but Phoenix coach Ariel Vanguardia is optimistic of his choice to go for a familiar face.

“I hope he’s the right choice,” Vanguardia said, referring to Matthew Wright, Sunday after the Fuel Masters secured the Fil-Canadian guard’s services in the Gilas round of the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft.

Vanguardia shared that he even had to make a case for Wright with management before the team made the decision.

“He’s an unknown and I had to prove to the management to pick him,” he said, as Phoenix mulled picking either Wright or big man Arnold Van Opstal.

“I told them Matthew is the only Filipino, aside from (Stanley) Pringle, that has played in Europe. Pringle played in Ukraine and Matt played in France. So tingin ko, adjustment na lang yung kailangan, makakatulong sa amin si Matt.”

Wright’s experience is definitely a plus, but for Vanguardia, what would make his rookie reach his full potential in the PBA would matter on how fast he could adapt to the style of play.

“Important dyan is how he handles himself sa physicality and style ng laro dito,” he said. “Sa ABL kasi, once a week lang yung games, pero dito twice a week na. He needs to adjust sa mga ganoong setup.”

However, Vanguardia has his full belief that Wright’s versatility will set him apart from the crop.

“He’s a shooter, but he can play some point guard also. Yun yung magiging adjustment namin, na baka ilagay ko rin sya at point guard at times,” he said. “That’s one of our goals coming to this year, that we want to get younger. We want to run some more this season.”