by Ernest Hernandez
Slowly but surely, James Farr is adjusting to the system of the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner's Cup. In his second outing, the 26-year-old returned with a stronger showing when he delivered 24 points, 21 rebounds and three steals as Magnolia downed a NLEX quintet, 98-88.
Playing two games in a span of four days, Farr admits that he is still trying to adjust to jet lag although he got more sleep this time around.
James Farr of the Magnolia Hotshots defended by Poy Erram and Jericho Cruz of the NLEX Road Warriors (PBA Images)
“I got some sleep. I’m still working on my jet lag,” said Farr.
For him, it is not about getting the numbers but scoring a win for Magnolia and avoiding a 0-3 hole.
“It is not about the points for me but more about the part that we won,” Farr said. “Our team came together when it got tough. We went down in the third quarter and found ourselves out of a hole. We looked at each other and said, ‘let’s come back to win’ and that is what we did.”
Farr is aware that he and his teammates have no time to celebrate. They will be facing Columbian Dyip next.
“It’s nice, I play hard, I’ll enjoy it tonight but you know, we still have something to do on Sunday. We have a lot in front of us,” said Farr. “We are 1-2 now and we want to go out this weekend being 2-2 so we have an even playing field, continue our journey from there in the elimination round.”
Farr credits his Magnolia teammates on letting him adjust to the game and hopes to carry the momentum after earning their first win of the conference.
“I hope so and I think it will be. We are starting to trust each other and we are starting to try to learn from each other. I started to learn them, most importantly,” he said. “I’ve come here in the league but they have been so great without me, learn on the fly and welcome me with open arms.”
In just two games, Farr has been loving how the basketball is being played in the PBA. From the fans to the physicality, the six-foot-ten center feels that he belongs to the league.
“Playing in Europe and all these other countries, it’s the fans that make it most fun. Here in the Philippines, it has not been a disappointment. The fans are really great every game, that is why I look forward to play,” he said.
“The PBA style of play too, it is fun. It is physical and it is something I don’t run from,” described Farr. “Getting 20 rebounds means you have to be physical and be ready for everyone to hit you when you come for the rebound. I welcome the challenge.”