Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Allen Durham is back in the Philippines after a long while to resume his familiar role of reinforcing Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup.
And Durham hopes that the Bolts’ first-ever championship by way of their incredible run recently in the Philippine Cup will prove to be a good omen as he looks to finally get a title of his own.
“Obviously the PBA’s tough,” Durham said. “But I think we got better tools and I think we have a good chance at it.”
Durham fell short in his three previous cracks at the title, all at the expense of Justin Brownlee and Barangay Ginebra in the Finals of the same conference.
His last tour of duty in 2019 ended with a five-game title series defeat to the Gin Kings, before the pandemic led to a chance for Durham to suit up in Japan’s B.League.
It was in the Land of the Rising Sun where Durham was able to enjoy the sweet taste of victory, winning the B.League championship in 2023 for the Ryukyu Golden Kings.
As Durham stayed in Japan, the Bolts lost another title to Ginebra in the 2022 Governors’ Cup while enduring more playoff defeats with different imports.
Those setbacks, however, contributed in planting the seeds for Meralco’s eventual ascension to the PBA winner’s circle by defeating San Miguel Beer in the Finals last June.
“I’m so happy that they finally got over the hump, and they now know what it takes,” he said.
One particular player who perhaps symbolized Durham’s optimism is Chris Newsome, who amid the numerous pains of losing emerged as Meralco’s unquestioned leader, and the one who knocked down the title-clinching shot against San Miguel.
To see Newsome grow into the Bolts’ main man is something Durham is proud of.
“I told him that I’m so proud of his growth over the years,” he said of Newsome. “He was my rookie when I first came on and he blossomed into a superstar in the PBA.
“New always plays hard, first to go into the gym and the last to leave the gym. But the way he’s leading the team is something where he kinda developed all over the years,” Durham added.
Durham and the Bolts’ title bid will go through Group A as they face Magnolia, TNT, NorthPort, Terrafirma and Converge twice for a chance at securing one of the four quarterfinal berths in their group.