MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine’s new import Kayel Locke didn’t have the usual eye-popping numbers expected from reinforcements in the PBA.
And that was largely due to the four fouls Locke picked in the first two quarters, according to coach Caloy Garcia.
“Our import got thrown off from way he wanted to play,” the Rain or Shine mentor said shortly after their 69-68 defeat in the hands of Magnolia—the team’s third-straight loss in four outings—Friday night at MOA Arena in Pasay.
“He lost his rhythm right from the beginning. He didn’t know what to do,” Garcia said of Locke.
Despite what could easily be viewed as an underwhelming performance, Garcia is optimistic that Locke has still a lot to show for.
“I think after today, he already knows how difficult and how players are good here in the Philippines,” he said.
The 25-year-old American, who replaced Joel Wright, had 13 points and nine rebounds in the losing stand.
When asked about the inevitable comparison to former import Joel Wright, Garcia suggested that there’s more to Locke than meets the eye.
“In practice, he has been hitting those threes,” he said. “I think he has much, much more to show.”
“[Tonight’s game] is basically him trying to understand how we play here,” Garcia continued.
Locke will have to bring his topnotch game, though, when the next game comes around, as on the other end is multi-time PBA import Eugene Phelps, who recorded two 50-point games in the past.
“I told him that we’ll play Phoenix,” Garcia shared. “Eugene’s a much stronger import.”
“But I know they all have varying strengths and weaknesses,” he ended.