PBA: Tony Bishop shrugs off criticisms after Ginebra exit

Ginebra Gin Kings’ import Tony Bishop in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines—Tony Bishop faced a bunch of criticisms during his time as an import for Ginebra in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup but the high-spirited swingman remains unfazed.

After the Gin Kings were eliminated in the import-laden conference via sweep by San Miguel, Bishop addressed the numerous comments that he’s not the proper fit for the Gin Kings.

The big man said that this conference was a chemistry-building tournament, considering that it was only his first run with coach Tim Cone and the rest of the squad.

READ: PBA: Bishop’s big move validates continued stay with Kings 

“This is my first year playing with everybody… It’s learning these guys and learning the team and for me, I do what I do, everybody knows my game, I play all parts of the game, I play defense, I can guard 1-5, I can shoot and I can finish,” said Bishop at Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday.

“I can do all types of things so for me, I don’t care what nobody says. It goes through one ear and out the other so for me I’ll continue to play my game, continue to do what I can do to help the team.”

In his final game for the Gin Kings, the import ended up with 25 points and eight rebounds to go along with two steals and a block to match.

Big shoes to fill

Tony Bishop responds to criticisms he’s received in his first conference as an import for Ginebra. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/g1aJaK9pXu

— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) January 28, 2024

Despite bad judgment, Bishop had been consistent for Ginebra as he averaged a double-double of 23.4 points and 12.2 rebounds per game.

So when he was asked about living up to the expectations, Bishop kept it real and said it’s simply hard to top the usual Ginebra import in Justin Brownlee.

READ: As Ginebra rests bid on Tony Bishop, Tim Cone optimistic on versatility

“Anything you do in life, you’re going to get criticized anyway, especially coming after Brownlee, who’s a really great player who’s been here for years and been able to win championships and build chemistry with these guys,” explained the defensive juggernaut.

Despite a conference run that fell short, Bishop said he’s more than willing to don the Red and White again, should an opportunity arise.

“I feel like I already have chemistry with these guys. I don’t know what the situation is but if they did call me and say, ‘hey, we would like you back,’ I would definitely, happily accept it ‘cause I feel like right here, with these guys, at the 6’6 conference, I’m used to it.”