MOST imports would be hesitant to sign up and play for a team with a long losing streak.
Not so for Jaylen Bond, who even took Blackwater’s dubious PBA record as a challenge and something he and his teammates must collectively work for in the coming Governors Cup.
“It gives me extra motivation for sure, you know, just to get that first win out of the way,” relayed Bond, while still in Philadelphia, during a Power & Play edition last Saturday.
“(It’s) something that I’m going to work hard for and I know my teammates are going to work hard for as well,” added Bond.
Even though he is a first-timer in the Philippines, Bond already knows the work cut out for him and his new teammates.
Blackwater holds the dubious record of having lost 19 straight games, including all 11 of its outings in the last Philippine Cup and Bond has a basic formula for that.
“We just have to come together, continue to build up chemistry and hopefully that translates into a win for us,” said the 28-year-old.
Bond planed in early morning yesterday and is currently undergoing quarantine protocols at a hotel, according to Blackwater coach Ariel Vanguardia.
The former Temple Owl has some ideas of what to expect, having had feedback from other players, including CJ Aiken, a high school teammate who saw action for Kia Picanto (now Columbian yip) in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.
“They all said it’s a wonderful country, with a great league and a great fan base,” related Bond.
Aside from helping the Bossing snap out of their rut, Bond also has a personal goal — to leave his mark with his own style of play in the PBA.
“Just somebody that’s going to play hard, you know? That’s gonna compete on both ends of the court,” offered Bond.
“Just gonna give my all every time I’m out on the court. Just got to be the best for myself and my team, to be the better player I wanna be, locked in defensively and be able to score offensively as well,” added Bond.
“Those are the things I’m looking forward to.”
