EASL: San Miguel import relishes matchup vs former team Suwon

FILE–New San Miguel Beermen import EJ Anosike. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—San Miguel Beer import EJ Anosike felt all the emotions in the squad’s opening game for the 2024 East Asia Super League (EASL) when they faced his former team in the Korean Basketball League.

The Beermen succumbed to the Sonicboom, 87-81, which made Anosike reminisce his days from the past with the Suwon squad.

“I think this game was big for a lot of reasons. Suwon gave me my first opportunity to play as a professional… We had a lot of good memories,” said Anosike.

“I think everybody competed hard, there’s some bragging rights for them cause we’re still friends today.”

READ: San Miguel falls to South Korea’s KT Sonicboom in EASL opener

Despite the loss, Anosike showed his improvements from his days in Suwon to the current “monster” he is today for the Beermen.

In 38 minutes of action, the Nigerian-American finished with 34 points on top of seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

Anosike even helped coach Jorge Gallent and the coaching staff in analyzing Suwon’s tendencies for the EASL showdown.

“We practiced just for an hour yesterday, watched videos of Suwon and strategize about what to do with their guards and bigs. EJ was a big factor because he came from that team so he helped us, the coaches,” said Gallent.

READ: PBA: EJ Anosike outplays Jalen Jones in 2nd game for Beermen

Suwon coach Song Young-Jin also couldn’t help but to praise his former player for putting up a fight against his old squad.

“We couldn’t play good defense on EJ Anosike and our American players were rusty to start out the game,” said Song.

Anosike, in turn, also lauded Song, who rose up to the competition much like him.

“Their head coach now is the assistant coach before when I was there and he helped me a lot. I know he’s annoyed at the monster he helped create,” said the San Miguel import in jest.

Anosike looks to build on his first EASL game experience with San Miguel Beer when they face Converge in Game 4 of the PBA Governors’ Cup on Friday.