Reigning Best Import Durham amazed on development of young Baser Amer as leader

HOW time flew by so fast. A year ago, Meralco, an up and coming team in the PBA, was being led by veteran Jimmy Alapag, a former Most Valuable Player who brought the franchise to a first ever championship appearance.

This time, a second year guard is filling the spot of one of the greatest guards of our generation.

Baser Amer has ably taken over the starting point guard role following the retirement of Mr. Alapag, who is now an assistant coach of Norman Black in Meralco.

Reigning Best Import Allen Durham was amazed on the fast development of Amer, who had done a wonderful job keeping a hold of his team.

“It’s unbelievable how much he has grown in a matter of a year,” Mr. Durham told BusinessWorld. “Look at how he controls the game and put us on the right spot in offense, it makes everybody’s job easier playing with a guy like Baser.”

But Mr. Amer cannot do the leadership role all by himself and he will definitely need a lot more help from the other veterans, most notably Jared Dillinger, who stepped up big to give Meralco its second win in as many games.

“JD made some outside shots for us. His three-point shots allowed us to open up Ginebra’s defense,” said Mr. Black.

For Mr. Black, the early success they’re building on is a tribute of their hardwork during the break.

“We worked hard during the off season. We worked very hard and it is paying off right now,” said Mr. Black.