FALLING short of his third attempt at a first ever PBA championship, Chris Newsome consoled himself by the fact that the just concluded season was one of a 'personal growth for him.'
Newsome admitted playing his best series yet in the last Governors' Cup finals between Meralco and Barangay Ginebra, which unfortunately didn't end up in favor of the Bolts after the Kings ran away with the title anew, 105-93.
Although heartbroken, the 29-year-old native of San Jose, California was among the bright spots on the Bolts' side especially with how he has improved his game on both ends of the court.
"Me personally I felt like I have a lot of growth throughout this series (finals). I felt like this is the best series I've played in my career," said Newsome, who finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the deciding Game 5 of the title series last Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
"It's something like people aren't going to talk about it because we didn't win, but I have a personal growth from the last two series (TnT Katropa in the semis) and did a good job of showing up there on both ends of the court."
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It was the third time Newsome failed in his bid to win a breakthrough title in the league, but like in the past, he said the learning process continues for Meralco.
"There's a lot we can take from this," said the Fil-Am guard. "Even though we didn't get the result that we want, we'll continue to move forward and we'll continue to get better."
He didn't fail to mention good friend and former teammate Jared Dillinger though, who finally won a championship with Ginebra after twice failing with Meralco before.
Dillinger was picked up by the Kings from the unrestricted free agent list middle of last season.
"Special mention to JD. Congrats to JD he got another championship," said a smiling Newsome. "He's a great guy whichever side he's on. I'm happy for him. I want him to enjoy it." (RG)
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