‘Ferocious’ Rhodes ready for challenge with Beermen

Charles Rhodes joins the San Miguel Beermen. Photo Mark Giongco

Charles Rhodes visited the Philippines last year for vacation and he knew he had to return.

Rhodes was back in Manila early Wednesday morning and he intends to stay long as San Miguel’s import in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“I came here on a vacation last year and I watched a few games and I just loved the fans, and I love how they love basketball. I really love it out here, and I’m glad I’m a part of it right now,” said Rhodes, who joined the Beermen during their victory party at Robinson’s Magnolia three days after winning the Philippine Cup for the third straight season.

The former Mississippi State slotman last saw action in the Korean Basketball League.

San Miguel head coach Leo Austria said he was “very impressed” with Rhodes after seeing full game videos.

Austria thinks Rhodes will be a big help to the Beermen on the defensive end.

“He has good credentials in college and he is number one in blocks among imports during his stint in the Korean league so he is really defensive-minded,” Austria said.

The 31-year-old Rhodes describes himself as “ferocious” and “passionate.”

Whether Rhodes likes it or not, there is pressure on him to deliver as he joins a team which is fresh off its fourth title in the last seven conferences.

Rhodes, though, isn’t backing down from the challenge.

“The bar is high for any team I would’ve played in the Philippines. This is a place I always wanted to play in, so wherever I would’ve gone to, I was going to give my hundred percent.”