Strike three for Bowles
HAVE we seen the last of Denzel Bowles?
For the third straight stint, Bowles had to be replaced and this time, it’s something that would make every PBA team which expressed interest on getting him, to think about.
The former Best Import, who became endeared to the fans of the old Purefoods franchise when he played the heroic role in the team’s first championship under Tim Cone in the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup five years ago, had been given the pink slip in his fifth tour of duty in the PBA, this time by his new team TNT.
TNT management and coaching staff claimed that Bowles had to attend to some personal matters in the US. It was the same reason he gave last season which led to his sacking and Star settled for Ricardo Ratliffe.
Prior to the start of the Commissioner’s Cup, which unfurled Friday, a fan asked Bowles on the possibility of him playing for Star, whose fans embraced him as a hero and loved him like no other.
His response was firm and authoritative: “Never again.”
So when a report cane our that Bowles was sent packing because he wanted to go back to play for Star and his heart and mind still belong to the squad he played for four times, one would wonder what’s the import’s true feeling is.
Whatever his reasons are, TNT decided to cut ties with Bowles right away and the hunt for a replacement continues as of press time.
Ka Tropa coach Nash Racela had closed the door on the possibility of Bowles returning to his team but wishes the import could be given opportunity elsewhere.
But with three straight sackings the past three seasons, it’s not easy to figure out that there might be something wrong with the import. Something could be bugging him and only he could answer that.
Imports who came here, succeeded and conquered the hearts of the fans deserve chances. Bowles had been given five opportunities.
Perhaps, the last three sacking he received is a strong indication that his playing years in the PBA is over.