'Hungry' Pilgrim sets the record straight

Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

Friday, October 23, 2009

IT WAS not hunger but fatigue that had hampered Mike Pilgrim's performance during the Barracudas' 73-76 defeat to the KL Dragons in their ASEAN Basketball League match in Berakas last Sunday.

According to a popular Brunei blog, Pilgrim had said after the loss that "he ran out of fuel as he didn't eat that much on Sunday".

But Pilgrim set the record straight when met yesterday.

"It has nothing to do with eating. It's just that I've only been here for three weeks and I'm still trying to get adjusted," said Pilgrim in an interview with The Brunei Times.

"It was a long week as we had three games in a row but there are no excuses. I know it's going to get a lot better," said the 25-year-old American.

Pilgrim said this was his first time away from the United States and that he was slowly adjusting to the warmer climate in the region.

However, the 6ft 9in American is ready to bounce back with a better performance in their next game against the Singapore Slingers tomorrow.

"I will just have to play with more energy and more heart. I'm ready to play hard with the team to grab another victory," said Pilgrim.

The American import also mentioned that coach Bong Ramos will be banking on him to guide and lead the team to victory.

"The coach told me he was counting on me but he also said that it's just going to take time and asked me to be patient as it comes together," commented the rookie.

Asked about his new 'home', the Louisiana Newcomer of the Year chosen by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association replied: "I really like it here ... It's a nice place and it really makes me feel comfortable."

About the Slingers, Pilgrim said:"They are a good team. They are currently the best in the league and they have good veteran imports (Michael Leblanc and Kyle Jeffers). The two have been really active in their team. I'm just trying to prepare and be just as effective as they are."

Pilgrim was not alone, his compatriot Lonnie Jones also had a poor game at the weekend struggling from the field.

"I was frustrated as I couldn't even make easy shots so I got mad at myself and it made things worse," said Jones.

"The double and triple teams each time I touched the ball got me frustrated as well. I was getting smacked but there were no calls so I ended up making some passes and forcing up some shots," added the shot-blocking specialist.

Jones commented that it was probably his worst shooting night ever and found it difficult to be running up and down the court for the full 40 minutes.

"It's really hard that there's no sub and I've to keep going while the other team kept changing their players from the bench. It's not an excuse but it's tough," said Jones.

"When I was in college it was a jinx when the players got an interview before the game and I think it got to me," joked Jones, who gave an interview before the game.

However, the seven-footer said that one bad game was not going to stop him from bouncing back.

"I hate to wait as I'll have to think about the bad game for the whole week but I'm all ready for the next game," said the 29-year-old American.

When asked on how he's adjusting to life in Brunei, Jones replied: "The training gym is really hot as it's really humid. It's hard to get any rhythm going as in the States all the gyms are air conditioned. This is a big adjustment for me as I get dehydrated easily."

The Barracudas next game is at home against the visiting Singapore Slingers at the Indoor Stadium of the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex in Berakas tomorrow.

courtesy of The Brunei Times