FIVE-YEAR NBA veteran Shabazz Muhammad has not given up on his dreams of one day returning to the National Basketball Association (NBA).
But first, he still has work to do as he tries to lead the San Miguel Beermen to the title in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
Playing his first game in the PBA on Feb. 27, Muhammad had 27 points and 17 rebounds, but committed eight turnovers and show just 5-of-12 from the charity stripe as San Miguel got pummeled, 104-87, by Magnolia.
The 29-year-old said he is still trying to get a feel for things with his new team and surroundings.
“It was tough. It was physical. I thought I was just trying to gel with the team. It’s my first game. We are just trying to figure out what to do on offense,” said Muhammad, who previously played for the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA. He is coming off a stint with Grand Rapids Gold in the NBA G-League.
“I think the next game will be much better, a turnaround game. We are going to bounce back and get ready for the playoffs and stuff like that,” he added.
“It’s my first game here. I thought I played decently. I could have made more shots. But I thought we all struggled shooting the ball. It’s tough to beat a team like that,” shared Muhammad.
Muhammad admits he still has his eye on making it back to the NBA, but emphasized that he is committed to helping the Beermen in this tournament.
“The NBA is great. Obviously, the ultimate goal is getting back there. But like I said, I’m happy to be here and I’m happy to be in the PBA. I definitely think we are going to figure it out and really be a good team,” Muhammad said.