Meralco Bolts import DJ Kennedy during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
DJ Kennedy is glad to be given the chance to suit up as a temporary import of Meralco in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup as he gives original pick Akil Mitchell the time to recover from a broken nose.
For Kennedy, whose 32 points, six rebounds and four assists propelled the Bolts to a 96-91 win over the Terrafirma Dyip at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, he’s fine with doing double duties if that benefits the main task he signed up for in the beginning.
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“They’re giving me an opportunity to get a rhythm, to get some flow not only in the PBA, but in the EASL,” said Kennedy after bucking first-half struggles and foul trouble to help the Bolts get a big lead, then set up the pass that allowed Jansen Rios to hit an open three that prevented a shock loss to the winless Dyip.
Kennedy was thrust into the PBA scene after Mitchell got hurt barely 15 seconds into Sunday’s victory over Rain or Shine when he got hit by a challenging Keith Datu.
While coach Luigi Trillo bared that Mitchell may come back sooner than later, Meralco opted to go with Kennedy, who is one of three reinforcements in the East Asia Super League along with Mitchell and naturalized player Ange Kouame.
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Meralco was mum on how it will approach its import situation for the succeeding games of the tournament, but Kennedy is supportive of whatever decision the Bolts management would make.
“Whoever they decide with, I’ll support it,” he said. “I love the opportunity to play [more], but like I said, I’ll be supportive either way.”
Meralco improved to a perfect 3-0 record despite the injury situation as the Bolts seized a share of the lead with idle NorthPort.
Chris Newsome added 15 points, nine rebounds, eight assists and three steals to help in the win.
Nearly blew it
The Bolts, however, almost squandered a sure win as the Dyip battled back behind new import Brandon Edwards and Vic Manuel.
Edwards had 21 points and 13 rebounds in a performance that was a huge contrast to the lousy Ryan Richards. But he missed a potential go-ahead basket that set up Rios’ triple that broke a 91-all tie with nine seconds left.
Manuel turned the ball over off the inbounds that would have allowed him to score an open basket on the next play, and the Dyip fell to 0-4.
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Manuel finished with 13 points, eight in the fourth, and his confidence continues to grow after injuries and a lack of playing time marred his final conferences with the San Miguel Beermen. INQ