GlobalPort head coach on import CJ Leslie: 'Hindi naman Diyos 'yan'

Despite CJ Leslie averaging 29 points and 13 rebounds in his first three games for GlobalPort, coach Eric Gonzales is not keen on leaning too much on his import.

Th 6-foot-9 forward exploded for 22 points in the first half against Rain or Shine on Friday, but he seemingly ran out of gas when the second half began and scored only two points in the third.

His poor showing prompted the Batang Pier mentor to bench him in the fourth quarter and take the risk to go All-Filipino despite being down 75-68 against the Rick Jackson-reinforced Elasto Painters.

"Kahit na import siya, kung hindi nagdedeliver, why will we settle for him?" Gonzales explained his rationale for subbing Leslie out. "Lagi kong sinasabi hindi naman Diyos 'yan e, hindi naman savior 'yan e."

The gamble paid off for GlobalPort as the team caught up with the score through the efforts of the local players, especially his back court duo Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle who combined for 24 points in the fourth.

Leslie was finally inserted back in the game in the last five minutes of the final quarter, scoring five points to finish with 29 with 17 boards in the team's 104-98 loss.

"Okay naman siya, nakita ko naman tinatry niya 'yung best niya. Masaya na tayo ru'n for now," Gonzales said. "Pero s'yempre kailangan tulungan talaga." - RAF, GMA News