MANILA, Philippines – New Mahindra Enforcers import Augustus Gilchrist is excited to “get started” with his new job.
The 26-year-old standout from University of South Florida, a US NCAA Division I school, arrived in the Philippines on Saturday, January 9, and just a day later, was already spotted at the Araneta Coliseum watching a PBA semifinals game between Alaska and GlobalPort.
“I know that it’s a new team and basketball is very important here,” Gilchrist told Rappler in an exclusive interview.
The new Mahindra import – its third during the franchise’s two years in the PBA – stands at 6-foot-10 and weighs 240 pounds, per Real GM.
A 4-year NCAA veteran big with the ability to hit the 3-pointer, Gilchrist had his best season during his junior campaign with USF when he averaged 12.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks a game while shooting 49% from the field and 48% from downtown.
'Happy to be here'
“It’s a very important thing in my life,” Gilchrist said about the game of basketball, “and I’m just happy to be here. I’m excited to get started.”
Gilchrist went unselected in the 2012 NBA Draft but joined the NBA D-League, where he played for two years with the Iowa Energy and averaged 6.9 points plus 4.3 rebounds a game.
Although the numbers don’t jump off the page, Gilchrist did have some impressive performances – most notably when he scored 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting against the Austin Toros.
“All I heard was great things about basketball in the Philippines,” he said, clearly excited about suiting up for the Enforcers.
Asked about his goal with Mahindra, Gilchrist said: “Just compete, compete to win. Have fun with the game, and play.”
'Help the team'
The Enforcers, known as the KIA Sorento and Carnival last PBA season, has yet to make the PBA playoffs in 4 conferences.
During the 2016 Philippine Cup, the team finished with just a 2-9 record.
“It’s to do my best, help the team, and be the best I can be, as a person and player,” Gilchrist said about his role with Mahindra.
The big man will complement the team’s impressive young core that includes rising PBA star LA Revilla, Aldrech Ramos, Karl Dehesa, Bradwyn Guinto, and more.
“You know, you always shoot for the best,” Gilchrist answered, when asked if he plans to be the best import in the league.
Will he be?
“You always shoot for the best,” he said anew. – Rappler.com