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| After failing to take flight in the ABL, James Forrester looks to give pro hoops another try. Formosa Dreamers (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--James Forrester had a huge opportunity to rejuvenate his professional basketball career when Formosa tapped him as its ASEAN heritage import last ASEAN Basketball League season.
However, a ruptured Achilles tendon happened, and he had to witness the rest of what had been a "nightmare" season for the Dreamers at the sidelines.
The Taiwanese squad finally got its acts going in the current ABL play, going off to a blazing start, but Forrester, who was subsequently released by the team during the offseason, had to start all over again in hopes that he can finally get that big break.
The fourth pick of the 2013 Philippine Basketball Association Draft then got an invite to work out with TNT.
"I love the environment, starting from the coaching staff all throughout management," Forrester told Dugout Philippines on Saturday after the KaTropa faced the NLEX Road Warriors in a tune-up game at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside the Ateneo High School compound.
The six-foot-two guard was actually listed in TNT's lineup for the late Christmas scrimmage, but he never got to play.
But while he was relegated to an observer, Forrester is liking the team's style of play so far.
"[Coach Bong Ravena's] system is good. It's very European-style," he added. "Obviously, there's a lot of things to work on. There's a lot of moving factors and reads, and a lot of the guys are still trying to learn everything about the system, but the potential is pretty favorable. There's a lot of new pieces coming in. It's gonna be good. Overall, I'm excited to get a chance to play with this team, get involved, and help anywhere I can."
However, the mere fact that he got a DNP in the game is also a sign that his spot with the KaTropa is still not yet locked.
"I'm not so sure yet [if they will sign me]. Nothing is really set in stone. My status is definitely up in the air," Forrester further said.
But in case he makes the cut, he vowed that he will provide more defensive firepower to a squad already loaded with offensive arsenal.
"Some of the guys already know what to do like Kuya Jayson [Castro], Kuya Ryan [Reyes]--lahat, everybody, from [RR] Pogoy to Jericho Cruz. Everybody already has a role, whether it's to score and make plays. In the defensive end, that's more where I feel I could really really help this team, and that's what I'm gonna try to do," Forrester continued.
However, he added that he will let God's will prevail on whether he indeed will make the cut or not.
"I'm just leaving it up to the Lord to see if I get the opportunity there, and if I do, then all thanks go to the Lord and I'll try to make the most of it," Forrester concluded.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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