Naturalization candidate Isaiah Austin said that he learned a lot from his stint with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas in the recently concluded FIBA Asia Champions Cup in China.
The 7’1″ Austin had an impressive stint with the squad, averaging 20 points, 13 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.1 blocks to lead Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas to a surprising fifth place finish.
The former NBA prospect said he’ll work hard to improve his game to be a better fit in coach Chot Reyes’ dribble drive offense.
“I didn’t do much of rebounding and going coast-to-coast but that’s what I would do in the future. That’s what I developed in this tournament in China. When I go home, I’m gonna take some time off and work on my game,” Austin said via Sports5’s Volta Delos Santos.
“As for the dribble drive, this is how I play basketball. I’m a stretch five and I like to stretch the floor and put the ball in the rim.”
Austin relished the opportunity to play for the Philippines on the international stage, and he’s hoping to don the national team colors for the years to come.
“It was amazing because of the fact that I was playing for a bigger purpose and playing for the whole country. It’s great to represent the Philippines. I love it because I know how big basketball is in the Philippines and it’s something I’d like to be a part of,” he said.
“Philippine basketball is very competitive just like in the United States. Definitely, I intend to play for a long period of time. I had a great time here, played good memories. I made a lot of friends in the team, the players and the coaching staff. It’s something I want to do in the future.
“Thank you for the support. The past couple of weeks is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Those who have supported me — fans, teammates, the staff and friends — will always have a special place in my heart.”
