PBA: 'Sweet honeymoon' for GlobalPort import CJ Leslie

It was a sweet honeymoon indeed for GlobalPort and Commissioner's Cup import CJ Leslie as the Batang Pier won their opening game convincingly against Kia featuring Peter John Ramos on Tuesday.

Despite the 41-point performance of the 7-foot-4 Ramos, easily the tallest import in the conference, Leslie responded with 33 points of his own to mount a comfortable cushion for GlobalPort throughout the game.

"Actually honeymoon stage kami nung import," said GlobalPort interim coach Eric Gonzales of his 6-foot-9 reinforcement. "Thankful ako nagdeliver."

The coach said that Leslie had to take a couple of days to adjust to the weather and food, and fortunately he was able to do so in time for the start of the conference.

"I felt I did a good job. We made the right plays, it was a good first game for us," said the 23-year-old Leslie, who grabbed 14 rebounds and had five blocks for the Batang Pier.

He put up good numbers for GlobalPort, shooting 12-of-19 from the field and drew 12 fouls to go 9-of-13 from the free throw line.

Teammate Terrence Romeo, meanwhile, admires the import for the intangibles not reflected in the statistics sheet.

"Marunong siya magbasa e. Hindi niya gaanong pinipilit, kumi-kick out siya," said the sophomore guard about Leslie. "Isa rin siya sa leader sa team." —JST, GMA News