NLEX import Wayne Selden. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Wayne Selden opted to look at the positives after an impressive debut as NLEX import in the PBA Governors’ Cup ended with a stunning defeat to Barangay Ginebra.
Selden put up 43 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals on Wednesday but the Road Warriors couldn’t close it out and lost 114-111 at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The setback ended NLEX’s unbeaten run of four straight wins to start the season-ending conference with original import Jonathon Simmons, who left after resuming his pro career in China.
“We got a lot of potential,” Selden said. “That’s a great group of guys [and] I’m happy with the guys. We worked hard tonight, [we] just made a couple of mistakes on defense and I know we’ll be better next game.”
His opening act seems to be a sign that NLEX may not have to worry too much of how it can fill the void left by his fellow ex-NBA player in Simmons, whose short stay impacted the whole team in a positive direction.
And Selden acknowledges that it’s a task that he’s accepting right away.
“I got a responsibility to the team, to the staff, to the coaches to be as good as I can be, be a leader,” said the former Memphis Grizzlies cager, vowing to atone for his own shortcomings.
“Got a little tired down the stretch tonight, but it’s no excuse. The next game, I’ll have more energy, for sure.”