Japanese import Seiya Ando: it’s faster in Canada, but PBA more physical

MANILA, Philippines – Though he was unable to lead Meralco to a victory on Wednesday night, the Bolts’ new Asian import Seiya Ando made an impression in his PBA debut.

The Japanese player finished with 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting, 3 triples, 3 assists, and 2 steals in 26 minutes and 40 seconds of play against the NLEX Road Warriors. 

Meralco suffered their second defeat of the Governors’ Cup, 91-84, but their play should improve over the next few games as Ando gets better associated with his teammates and more accustomed to the gameplan of Head Coach Norman Black. 

It also helps that the 6-foot-1 Ando, 23, who’s played in FIBA tournaments and in the National Basketball League in Canada, is a fan of playing in the Philippine Basketball Association. 

“I think [it’s] a very good league,” said Ando, who complimented the fans in attendance for his first game on Wednesday, May 13, at the Cuneta Astrodome. 

Ando averaged 10.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.9 assists a game with the Halifax Rainmen in the NBL, where he said the pace of play is faster compared to the more rough and rugged style in the PBA. 

“Canada [is] more faster than here,” said Ando, “but the PBA is more physical than there.” 

“I like it,” the Meiji University product said about the physicality. “[It’s a] good experience, good experience.” 

Ando had just 5 days of rest in between his NBL and PBA stints, but he said that’s been enough time to get rest and form bonds with his teammates.

“I like it, I like it,” he said about being with the Bolts. “Yeah. Everybody’s good.” 

His coach wants him to be even more aggressive moving forward, considering his ability to space the floor and run pick-and-roll plays. 

“Coach told me [to be] more aggressive. If I’m open, take a shot, he said, take a shot.” 

And that’s what he plans to do. 

“Yeah, [I’ll be] more aggressive, more strong and more playing hard,” he said. “I’ll just play hard.”

– Rappler.com