Joshua Smith hardly broke a sweat in his first game back in the PBA.
With TNT jumping on a big lead early, the burly reinforcement only played 13 minutes as the team cruised to a 123-95 victory over Columbian Dyip on Friday.
Still, his contributions were well appreciated as he finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and a block, with the locals also playing at the top of their game in the rout.
"It's always good. First game back and you get a win? I'm glad we pulled it out," said Smith.
Changes were abound since the last time the Seattle-born reinforcement played for the KaTropa. Among the new faces in the team are super scorer Terrence Romeo, versatile guard Jericho Cruz, and 3-and-D winger Don Trollano.
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And for Smith, he couldn't be any more excited with what's in store for TNT in the long run as he aims to make up for last season's runner-up finish in the second conference.
"Terrence is a hell of a player, him and Jericho. To add two guys like that with the guys we have right now, we're deep," he said.
For coach Nash Racela, however, as much as he's elated with a better conditioned Smith, he expects more from him in the coming games.
"Physically, he seems healthier now. His foot has really recovered and it's good for us," he said. "But obviously, he's not in the best shape yet. But I think playing games will eventually get him there."
TNT will next brace for NLEX on Sunday.(DL)
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