by Ernest Hernandez
Coming in as a replacement for John Fields, new Magnolia import James Farr finds himself battling jet lag in his very first PBA game. The Hotshots failed to make a comeback in the fourth period, eventually falling to NorthPort Batang Pier, 102-99.
The former Xavier Musketeer logged in 11 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block in almost 36 minutes of playing time. Despite being a dominating presence, he only made 5-of-26 from the field while committing six turnovers.
“We will get better. He has a good start,” said Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero on Farr’s debut game.
James Farr of the Magnolia Hotshots (PBA Images)
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He continues, “Maganda yung start niya, the problem is wala talagang legs eh. After how many minutes, medyo hindi na siya—hindi na maganda yung kanyang shot selection, yung kanyang decision making. Sabi ko nga, magiging maayos siya in a few games.”
Farr rode a 20-hour flight heading to Manila and upon his arrival he only had one practice with the team. Still, he holds no excuses as his team is still winless in the 2019 PBA Commissioner's Cup.
“I just got here about a couple of days ago, so I’m still a bit jet-lagged. But there’s no excuses,” Farr said.
After just one game with his teammates, Farr already knew he had great teammates who will back him up no matter what and it gave him confidence to fight through.
“My teammates, they played very hard, they fought through adversity, and I couldn’t be any more proud. I can’t wait to see the next journey of this team,” said the six-foot-ten center.
Just a game short of capturing the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup, Farr is just getting to know his teammates. And looking at the team's resume makes him want to work even harder.
“I didn’t shoot the ball well at all, but my teammates gave me confidence for the next game and it shows why the team won the championship last year,” said Farr.
“I’m still getting to know this team and this organization. I see nothing but great things and I know we have the potential to make a run,” he adds.
Admitting that it was not his best outing, Farr takes pride as a rim protector and promises the Magnolia fans that he will get things straight very soon.
“I think I’m a good rim protector,” Far said.
“I didn’t get to look at the stats today but I think I had three steals and four blocked shots. I take pride in defense. As long as I do that and I give my team a few more possessions, I’m doing my job.”