Tony Mitchell eager to move forward as NLEX debut leaves him ‘very disappointed’

NLEX import Tony Mitchell. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—Tony Mitchell has had an interesting return path to the PBA after spending the two years overseas, but he didn’t get the welcome he wanted.

With Mitchell finally suiting for his team, NLEX suffered its third straight loss in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup after bowing to Alaska 100-87 Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Mitchell finished with 34 points, eight rebounds, and two steals but struggled mightily under pressure getting called with five fouls in just three quarters.

“I feel very disappointed, I picked up early fouls and that’s nothing to do with my teammates and nothing to do with the coaching staff,” said Mitchell. “This is all me personally.”

The whole Road Warriors also didn’t fare better, shooting just 36.6 percent from the field or 30-of-82 while the Aces converted 41.5 percent of their shots, 34-of-82.

Alaska had control for much of the game even taking a 19-point lead, 77-58, at the start of the fourth quarter.

Mitchell, who last played in the PBA for the Magnolia franchise, said he has to relay to his teammates more instead of creating more of his shots.

“I need to be more established with my teammates, I feel like I shot the ball little bit too much,” said Mitchell who went 10-of-22 from the field. “Other than that I just want to move forward.”

“They keep playing hard, I just want to get them over the hump. I’m here to get them over the hump, regardless of them playing hard we have to win games and that’s all that matters.”