Despite big loss, Fields "feels great" in PBA arrival

John Fields flirted with a 40 in his PBA debut. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY--In just his first game in the PBA, John Fields seemed as if he already belongs here.

The six-foot-nine forward, who replaced CJ Aiken as Columbian import, erupted for 39 points on 14-of-20 field goals with 16 rebounds, two assists, and one block on Friday night against Alaska.

"It feels great," said Fields, who played in Europe prior to his new stint with the Dyip.

On the said performance, Field added, "On my first game, I had to prove I belong.... I'm just prepared."

Unfortunately, Fields's great game came up short as Columbian fell to Alaska, 103-134, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

[Related Story: Alaska trips Columbian with 31-point rout]

"It does [hamper my debut]. You always wanna win and play great on your debut," he reacted on the loss.

Despite the ugly defeat, Fields did not pin the blame on his teammates.

"I don't blame the team. The team is getting adjusted to me," he continued.

For his part, he also said that he needs some adjustments too.

"It could have been better. I struggled from the free throw line--11-for-18. I get better at the free throw line, and then I get better and efficient--know where my shots are coming from and know how to play my offense," he lamented his game at the charity stripe.

Things will get tougher for the Dyip as they will next face the unbeaten Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

"We gotta tighten things up when we take on Rain Or Shine in the next game," Fields further said.

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