Wendell McKines. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net
Wendell McKines is aware of the tall task at hand for the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup.
McKines is beefing up the powerhouse San Miguel in the season-ending conference and expectations are at an all-time high as the Beermen shoot to replicate the glory of the 1989 season and capture another Grand Slam.
But the returning reinforcement is looking at the lofty aspirations as his fuel to perform at his best.
“Isn’t pressure supposed to bring out the best in you?,” he said. “They just won two championships. I’m just looking forward to seeing what this brings out of me and what I can bring to the team.”
McKines is no stranger to the Philippine setting, as the 28-year-old previously played for Alaska in 2013 and Rain or Shine in 2015.
However, the Oakland-born reinforcement has yet to make it to the final dance.
McKines suffered an early quarterfinals exit with the Aces in 2013, and in 2015, fell with the Elasto Painters in four games in the semifinals to eventual champion San Miguel.
Knowing that he has his work cut out for him, McKines embraces the challenge as he seeks to mesh with this already potent Beermen unit.
“I see myself fitting in well. I just got to play hard and play in unison with the team,” he said. “I have to play hard as hell. Leave everything on the floor and be ready for war every night.”