MANILA – Ahead of its debut as a guest team in the PBA, the Macau Black Knights said they will lean on familiarity with the local hoops scene to perform well in the Commissioner's Cup.
Officials of the Black Knights faced the media before its opening match against the Converge FiberXers on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Macau head coach Garrett Kelly said the team is expecting some growing pains as the team adjusts to Philippine basketball.
"We certainly want to take advantage of the four-point line. I think if we shoot 28 percent or above from the four-point line, it makes itself into a really, really valuable shot. So with that in mind, we've constructed a roster with some good shooters that have range and can shoot from 27, 28 feet, which is where that four-point line is. I think it will help with our spacing," he said at the press conference.
READ: Macau Black Bears to see action in Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup
The Black Knights are not entirely new to PBA teams, as they faced the Meralco Bolts in the East Asia Super League.
Some of their players, like Damian Chongqui, Jenning Leung, and Phoenix Shackelford, are also familiar with the local hoops scene.
"So really looking forward to seeing how tonight goes, getting past these first-game jitters or nervousness for the first game with some of our players. But we've got guys that have played here in the Philippines before and are very comfortable here," Kelly said.
"The PBA, obviously, is bigger guys, stronger players, more experienced players, so there's going to be a learning curve for us, but we're excited to come compete and couldn't be more excited about being a part of this league," he added.
Kelly likewise underscored the presence of assistant coach and four-time PBA champion Rich Alvarez and team manager Frederic Dandan in the team.
"They've been able to kind of bring our players up to speed with what to expect. But on the whole, Philippines basketball is really intelligent basketball players, really pass the ball well, really physical, very skilled, just high-level basketball players," he said.
"And we know we're going to be in for a battle physically. The guys are bigger and stronger than us, but I think we're maybe faster and hopefully up for the challenge," Kelly explained.
When asked about the team's goals for the Commissioner's Cup, Kelly said it will depend on their performance in their opening game.
"Honestly, we'll see. We'll find out tonight after about the first five minutes if we're ready to go. But no, we're very familiar. We studied our history. We saw Bay Area Dragons in 2022 go 10-2 in the Commissioner's Cup and lose in Game 7. The finals seem to always go to Game 7," he said.
"So if we could somehow find our way into the playoffs and give ourselves a chance if we're healthy, we would love to have a chance to compete towards the end of the year," Kelly added.
But Kelly underscored the need for the Black Knights to stay healthy and hope for support from the Filipino hoop fans.
NO SAM DEGUARA
One missing face who is familiar to Pinoy hoop fans is Sam Deguara, who was initially listed as one of Macau's imports.
Kelly explained why big man Deguara did not join Macau this time around.
"We love Sam. He's part of our family. He's been with us for almost two years now, off and on. But at the end of the day, professional basketball players are independent contractors, and they've got to go where their money is. Their career is a short span of their life," Kelly said.
"If at some point we can have him back, we'd be thrilled. But the way it turned out timing-wise, he had to offer on the table in Taiwan with a program in Taoyuan City... and they had a big paycheck for him... And at the end of the day, he's got to go where the money is best and the situation is best," he added.
FROM BLACK BEARS TO KNIGHTS
The team was previously known as the Black Bears, but ahead of the PBA 50 Commissioner's Cup, they unveiled the change to Black Knights.
"It was a decision made. Like what Mr. Lou said, that the PBA is the next level of competition for Macau, and it's about leveling up. So branding-wise, it was decided that we need to level up as well our brand. That's the change from the Bears to the Knights," Black Knights Team Representative Jacque Ruby said.
"Well, it's still the Macau Black Bears Club, sports club. That's the organization. But brand-wise, it's the Knights. And the Bears are still there, just wearing a knight," he shared.
As the Black Knights make history as the first Macau-based team to enter the PBA, its top officials explain why they decided to join the league.
"PBA is a high level in Asia, so Macau is a young team, so we want Macau players to join the high level to take more experience. So we are honored to be here," Black Knights President of Operations Lou Kit Long said.
Macau will open its campaign against the retooled Converge FiberXers at 7:30 p.m.