The former NBA lottery pick finally gets to play in the PBA.
After a few hiccups, Thomas Robinson is finally going to play in the PBA.
The 32-year-old forward is suiting up as the import of the NLEX Road Warriors in the PBA Commissioner's Cup, which will commence on November 5.
"I'm excited. I'm just looking forward to starting the season with my new team," said the former NBA lottery pick.
Robinson was drafted in 2012 by the Sacramento Kings as the fifth overall selection, going ahead of the likes of Damian Lillard, Harrison Barnes, Andre Drummond, and Draymond Green.
The former All-American from the University of Kansas also had a few spells with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, and the Los Angeles Lakers before plying his trade around Europe and the Korean Basketball League.
"The preparation has been good, we're doing a lot of tune-up games with the team," he shared with One Sports during the PBA Media Day last Wednesday. "We're just trying to get familiar with each other, a lot of practicing."
One such familiar face is Rob Herndon. Robinson was supposed to suit up for the San Miguel Beermen, which Herndon was a part of in the previous PBA Commissioner's Cup, but he had to be replaced due to back spasms.
"I was gonna get a chance to play with Rob last year, so me and him finally get to share the court together," Robinson said.
Now that he's well and truly in the Philippines, the NLEX reinforcement said there's one teammate who surprised him the most.
"Don (Trollano). I'll say Don surprised me the most," he revealed.
Trollano has become one of the PBA's most reliable scorers. He's nominated for the Mythical Selection and the Most Improved Player award in the Leo Awards, which will also be held on November 5.
The Road Warriors will open their PBA Commissioner's Cup campaign on November 10 against the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
(PM)