Compton rusty, has fun in pro debut

Alex Compton might be a bit slow but still possessed the wondrous touch from the long court and oozed with enthusiasm and emotion in his first game in the local pro loop.

"It was really fun. Because I love playing basketball so much, I was so happy although I struggled on the court and we lost the game," said Compton, his blue eyes sparkling after realizing his dream to play in the PBA.

"It was really my dream to be a professional player. At first, I was dreaming to be pro player anywhere in the world not knowing there’s a pro league in the Philippines. But when told that there’s a pro league here, I’d since looked forward to playing here," added the American player born at the Makati Med in 1974.

He admitted his PBA debut was far from impressive, missing his first four attempts and committing two errors before scoring his first basket 21 minutes into the game.

The former MBA MVP awardee, who also had a sterling stint in the PBL, struggled on the floor having been inactive in competitive play in nine months.

"Ang hirap dahil nine months akong nabakante," said the 5-foot-11 guard fluent in Filipino.

But having achieved his dream of playing in the PBA, Compton says his immediate goal is to help improve the Welcoat Dragons’ performance. The team won only three of 18 games for a last-place finish in the All-Filipino Cup.

He said he’s looking forward to play Johnny Abarrientos and Olsen Racela whom he respects so much.

"I was playing for Cornell U when told by our assistant coach Tyrone Pitts (former Triple V import) of the PBA. He told me there’s a guard here who plays so much better than me. I saw it for myself when I came back here in 1998," said Compton, referring to Abarrientos.

"Hanggang ngayon ang galing ni Johnny," said Compton, fluent in Filipino.

Wearing jersey No. 22, Compton said it was his college number and he’s "hoping to bring out the enthusiasm of a 22-year-old." – Nelson Beltran