McDonald to revive Petron's hopes?

MANILA, Philippines – Two games are left in Petron’s elimination schedule and newly signed import Will McDonald could be the man whom coach Ato Agustin is looking for to power the Blaze Boosters’ bid to make the PBA Commissioner’s Cup playoffs.

Petron started the conference with back-to-back losses then rebounded to win three in a row before yielding to Powerade and Alaska. The Boosters take on Barako Bull tonight and Talk ‘N’ Text on March 28 to close out the eliminations. The top six teams will advance to the playoffs, striking out the bottom four. Quotients could play a big role in determining which teams move up as only for ties for the second and sixth spots will be broken via a playoff.

The Boosters’ original import Nick Fazekas, an NBA veteran, took Petron to a 3-4 record and was placed in the injured reserve list to make room for McDonald who arrived last Sunday. McDonald landed in the morning and reported for light practice later in the afternoon.

“Will immediately impressed the coaches,” said San Miguel Corp. sports director Noli Eala. “He’s very skilled, obviously quicker (than Fazekas) with a great body.” Petron consultant Rajko Toroman noted, “He played seven years in Spain – you have to respect that – and is a very skilled player, faster than Nick, was two years with the most demanding coach in Europe which shows his character.” Assistant coach Gee Abanilla said, “he has both power and finesse but more of power, good inside-outside game, very smart.”

Eala said Fazekas stepped aside for McDonald to take over. “Nick understood the change,” he said. “He told me he’s been through that with Donnie Nelson. He’s not the problem. Unfortunately, injuries to the team necessitated the change because we lost guys who could complement his defensive game. He understood and was just grateful that we gave him a chance to finally show that he can still play. So many doubts on his health were dispelled. He’s still in town and considering many options, including an offer to play in the ABL.”

McDonald, 32, played three seasons with the University of South Florida, averaging 15.9 points and 8.1 rebounds in 2002-03. Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook editor Chris Dortch said McDonald “runs well and has a solid low-post game.” As a junior collegian, he scored in double figures in 18 games and hit a career-high 29 against the University of Central Florida. “Will is a guy that through his actions has embraced the opportunity to be a leader,” said South Florida coach Seth Greenberg. “He can talk to the younger players and let them know that you have to make a commitment and work hard and when the opportunity presents itself, you have to seize the moment. That’s exactly what he did. He worked hard in the summer, he changed his body, he made a commitment and he seized the opportunity.” From averaging 2.7 points as a sophomore, McDonald improved his norm to 11.9 after a heavy summer schedule that included a seven-game tour of Canada with the National Invitation Tournament All-Stars. He averaged 15.7 points and 6.9 rebounds, shooting 58 percent from the field, during the Canada series.

From college, McDonald saw action in the French league, averaging 13.8 points in 34 games with Chalon-Sur-Saone then moved to Spain in 2004. McDonald blossomed as a mainstay in the ACB (Asociacion de Clubs de Baloncesto) Spanish league, contributing to Tau Ceramica’s championship run in 2008. He also suited up for Gran Canaria, Estudiantes Madrid and Joventut Badalona.

Before moving to the PBA, McDonald played for Fujian in the Chinese league, averaging 27.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 37.8 minutes in 34 games. He shot .575 from the floor, including .407 from three-point range, and .671 from the line. Twice, McDonald fired at least 40 points and twice, he buried at least two triples in a game.

McDonald never played in the NBA. He had tryouts with the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks but couldn’t make the cut. Instead, McDonald made a name for himself in Europe. Now, he’s got a chance to bring life back to Petron and lead the Blaze Boosters to the playoffs.