During the PBA Media Day last 6 August, Allen Durham is glad that his longtime PBA team was finally able to win its first championship. He also hopes that he can finally taste that same success when he returns to Meralco for the coming PBA 49th Season.
"I was excited for the guys," said Durham last Tuesday. "I was over in Japan and I was watching the games a little bit here and there. I’m so happy that they got over the hump. Now everybody knows what it takes."
Durham though said it will be a tough journey for Meralco to win the season-opening Governors’ Cup with the teams they will be facing.
That includes Barangay Ginebra, Meralco’s nemesis in the Governors’ Cup, which the Kings have won four times at their expense.
"Obviously, the PBA is very tough, tough teams and stuff. I think we got better tools and stuff like that and I think we can have a chance at it," said Durham.
On facing Justin Brownlee and the Gin Kings, Durham played down the notion that Meralco and Ginebra are rivals.
"Well, we’ve got to beat them first. But I’m excited to play against them. It’s always good competition when we go up against those guys," said Durham.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo is also thrilled to have Durham back. He said the Bolts have always wanted him to return but Durham had an offer in the Japan B.League and went on to play for the Ryukyu Golden Kings from 2021 to 2024.
Durham won a championship with the Golden Kings in 2023.
"We wouldn’t have lost AD. The pandemic kind of put him in a situation where he needed to sign. At that time, the PBA had not come out with the height limit or a situation of where we will move. Japan offered it. AD has done well there. He’s been in three finals, he won an MVP."
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