Sidney Onwubere grateful for chance to showcase skills again in PBA On Tour
MANILA, Philippines — Sidney Onwubere is eager to prove his worth for Barangay Ginebra as he tries to climb back to his best game shape this PBA preseason.
The 6-foot-4 forward had a breakthrough game in the PBA on Tour, posting a 25-point and 11-rebound double-double — highlighted by the game-winning tip-in with 43.5 seconds left — to lead the Gin Kings to an 81-80 victory over the Blackwater Bossing in overtime on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
Onwubere said he wants to make the most of the opportunity as he fights for a spot on Ginebra’s regular season roster.
“We’re blessed and of course, it’s good that the opportunities we work hard for are given to us. We’re just grateful for the opportunity,” Onwubere said in a mix of English and Filipino after shooting 8-of-13 from the field.
“This On Tour helps me to get moving again. Because it’s been so long since I last played. Sometimes, I feel like I’ve forgotten how to play basketball. The opportunities I had in college I’m able to do again. I’m happy,” he added.
ROAD TO RECOVERY
The 29-year-old cager is doubling his effort this PBA preseason as he seeks to recover from a slipped disc injury and catch up with his team after going to Taiwan to attend to a family matter.
“That’s true. Twice-a-day practices because I’m coming from vacation. I need to catch up. I was late to joining practices by a month because of an emergency in my wife’s family sa Taiwan,” said Onwubere, who averaged 3.0 points and 4.7 rebounds prior to his breakout game.
“I had a slipped disc, like, seven months recovery. During the season, I was just on the sidelines — I was in uniform but my back really hurt. It’s getting better, it still hurts sometimes but I can play,” he added referring to the injury he sustained last season due to heavy loads in the gym.
The former Emilio Aguinaldo College stalwart, who saw limited action in the past PBA season, is determined to seal his spot with the Gin Kings and play well under the system of coach Tim Cone once the next PBA season opens
“Just fighting for a spot with the team. Of course, this is Ginebra, so we want to be here. And then I also want to get the trust of the coaching staff, so they can give me playing time somehow,” Onwubere said. “Of course, as a basketball player, I just want to play. So I’m just working for that opportunity”
“I’m trying to work out Coach Tim’s plays. Still trying to catch up. Coach Tim is really all about the system and I’m trying my best to fit in,” he added.