Martinez back at Phuket Waves

By Robert Andaya

Defending champion Phuket Waves are looking to defend their crown in the Thailand Basketball League (TBL), which will kick off on Wednesday, July 31.

Former PBA player-turned-playing coach James Martinez  is confident the Waves can do it again despite losing several notable teammates this year.

Martinez, now 37,  said the team still boasts of  enough talented and experienced players  capable of getting the job done against their Thai counterparts.

“Masaya ako na nabigyan ulit ako ng pagkakataon para pangunahan ang Phuket Waves,”said Martinez, who is best remembered for playing  for the Powerade Tigers in the PBA from 2011-2012.

“Sa Phuket Waves, may mga nawalang players, pero meron din namang nadagdag. Gaya dati, gagawin namin ang lahat ng aming makakaya  para ma-depensahan yun korona at makuha yun back-to-back championship,” said Martinez, who is also a former University of the East standout.

“Gusto ko din magpasalamat sa mga boss namin sa team,  na  laging sumu-suporta at naniniwala sa amin. Sina boss Jet Maronilla ng MC Sports, Dennis Chiang of DCG Steel, John Rosagas ng Uratex, Big Boy Lee ng IV Vitamin Bar at Sprinto Shades of Pawlo Misolas,” added Martinez, who was actually drafted  as the No. 18 overall pick by Barangay Ginebra in the 2011 PBA Draft.

Joining Martinez as the Asian import are Wowie Escosio and their new world imports, Patrick Tchaunte and Vlad Unhurian.

Backing them up are  local players Tostachai Chaisuttimetheekul, Nanthanan Seangsuriya, Alongkorn Ngrnrungreangrot, Teepateep Srirueng, and Peerapat Suwannarat.

Last year, Phuket Waves relied on Ray Miller and Morakinyo Williams in winning the championship. But the Waves have parted ways with the two imports due to the drafting system for world imports.

Opening-day action will pit the Phuket Waves  and  the Dunkin Raptors  at 10 a.m. at the Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok.

Last year, the Martinez-led Phuket Waves swept Ban Bueng Devil Rays, 2-0, in the scheduled  best-of-three title showdown.

Williams was also named as the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP)  of the tournament.

Martinez, on the other hand, received a  special  award for most assists made.