ANTIPOLO - Allen Durham is determined more than ever to finally give the Meralco Bolts their first PBA championship after emerging victorious at the start of his third Governors' Cup stint with the team Friday night here.
Durham overcame a rough start to produce 26 points, 20 rebounds and nine assists in the Bolts' 109-106 win over the Columbian Dyip at the Ynares Center, flashing nearly the same form that enabled him to collect Best Import honors in the last two editions of the third conference.
But getting another plaque named in honor of the late Bobby Parks is no longer in Durham's mind as he tries to savor the thrill of victory after losing to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the last two Governors' Cup Finals.
"Personally, I have nothing to prove," the 30-year-old Michigan native said. "I think we need a championship. It's all about the team right now. I don't have nothing to prove. I've been here for three years so I focus on just a championship."
Durham did admit that he had a rusty start after arriving nine days earlier to begin his latest tour of duty with the Bolts.
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But Meralco coach Norman Black is confident that Durham will immediately get his bearings quickly which will bode well in the Bolts' quest to compete for the crown.
"Actually, it looks like he's in pretty good shape, pretty good condition," said Black.
"It's like he's a little bit stronger than he was the last time he was around but I think he'll get better as the conference goes on. Once he continues to be in game shape then I expect better things out of him going forward," he added.(JT)
