Returning Henry Walker instantly helps Blackwater snap losing streak

MANILA, Philippines – Henry Walker had a triumphant return to the Philippine Basketball Association when he led the Blackwater Elite to a thrilling 92-86 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Sunday, August 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 29-year-old former Alaska Aces and NLEX Road Warriors import came in to replace the injured Trevis Simpson (groin), and immediately made an impact for the Elite’s first win in 4 games during the 2017 Governors’ Cup.

“Probably the most fun I’ve had playing here. Period. Today was just great,” he said after the game.

“You know my mindset. You gotta kill me off. I’m going for the win. I’m a competitor and that’s just how I feel.“

Walker put up a game-high 32 points plus key baskets down the stretch and also had 15 rebounds. But his most important contribution has been snapping the Elite out of their funk after 3 straight losses.

“I was just trying to instill in my teammates that it doesn’t matter if I score 50 points,” Walker explained. “If we don’t do this as a collective, we’re not gonna win. There comes a time, we’re 0-3, you gotta get tired of losing. You just gotta go out there and compete.”

Walker had only Mike Digregorio assisting him significantly on offense with 28 points. But Walker’s will was enough to hold on late as he also played through cramps.

The team also rallied around local big man Poy Erram, who got hit in the jaw by opposing import Eugene Phelps. Walker praised Erram for defending Phelps, who was held to a PBA career low 13 points.

The Elite will now look to turn things around with Walker, who has also played for the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat in the NBA.

“I don’t look at the 0-3, we’re 0-0 right now. Anything can happen, we just gotta believe and go out and play,” he said.

“I know I can’t just do it by myself. I’m trying to get my teammates to come with me, I’m only as good as the whole. It is what it is. A big shoutout to the coaching [staff] here, just that fight, that never-give-up competitiveness. That’s why I love coming over here. Most fun I had playing ball in a long time.” – Rappler.com