NBA vet to make Petron debut

MANILA, Philippines - Former New Orleans Hornets center Henry Sims is out to make a splash in his Petron debut against Meralco in the 5:15 p.m. first game of a PBA Commissioner’s Cup doubleheader at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

Sims, 23, arrived here Wednesday night from Cleveland after a layover in Guam and plunged into practice the morning after. He said he’s looking forward to playing in his first international assignment as an import.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the PBA,” said Sims who has an 88-inch wingspan. “I know it’s a fun league where everyone plays hard and the fans are unbelievable. I’m a team player. I like to share the ball. If I get five or six assists a game, that’s cool. I don’t need to score 30 points every night. I like my teammates. I did research on Petron before I came and found out it’s a championship team. I’m proud to be playing for Petron.”

The 6-10, 245-pound former Georgetown University standout was picked up at the airport by assistant coach Biboy Ravanes then brought to dinner on Ortigas with team manager Hector Calma. “Henry’s excited to play,” said Calma. “We had an option to bring him in Thursday early morning but decided to advance his arrival to Wednesday evening so he could get a good night’s sleep and be ready for practice next morning. He’s coming out of playing in the NBA and the NBA D-League so he’s in game-shape.”

Sims said he was in touch with Barangay Ginebra import Vernon Macklin before flying over. “Vernon told me the fans are great,” he went on. “I didn’t think basketball would be this big in the Philippines. All I got was great reviews about the PBA. I know it’s a tough league to play in. But I’ve played in the highest echelons of basketball. I’m taking all my experience with me to the PBA.”

As for his matchup against Meralco’s Eric Dawson, Sims said he’s ready to take on anyone who comes in his way. “I don’t know much about Dawson but he’s in the PBA to do what I’m supposed to do,” said Sims. “He’ll be coming at me just like I’ll be coming at him. I’m getting my legs ready for the game.”

Sims said it’s unfortunate that former Petron import Renaldo Balkman was banned from the PBA. “I heard about what Balkman did,” he said. “I’m sure he regrets what happened but it’s time to move on. I never got to know him.”

Sims will be Petron’s third import this conference after Balkman and Rodney White. Balkman played in seven games and White, two. White, an NBA first round draft pick like Balkman, was a disappointment and showed up out of shape. Against Alaska last March 27, White delivered only two points and seven rebounds. It was rumored that he suddenly disappeared when asked to submit a urine sample for a drug test and left the country last Tuesday.

Petron has four more games to play in the eliminations. The Blaze Boosters face Meralco today, Barako Bull on Sunday, Air 21 on April 13 and Talk ‘N’ Text on April 17. Depending on the outcome of its remaining contests, Petron could nail a twice-to-beat advantage as the first or second seed in the playoffs. 

Sims saw action in four seasons with the Georgetown varsity from 2008 to 2012. As a senior, he was the only player in the Big East Conference to rank in the top 15 in blocked shots and assists. Sims displayed incredible court vision for a center by averaging 3.5 assists. He shot .462 from the floor and .708 from the line. Sims also averaged 11.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 blocked shots and 27.5 minutes. Scouts said Sims plays like the Indiana Pacers’ Roy Hibbert.

“Sims flourished in his senior year, displaying his full range of skills as well as impressive athleticism,” wrote Andrew Geiger in the Casual Hoya website. “Big Hank led Georgetown in both blocked shots and assists, a testament to this versatility and a remarkable achievement even in a Georgetown offense that features its big men. Sims not only clogged the lane on defense but also was its vocal leader, directing a defense that ranked in the top 10 nationally. Having stepped into the role of senior leader, Sims also stepped up his game on a bigger stage, putting up consecutive 20-10s in the Big East Tournament. In all, Sims is a skilled, athletic big man who’s still just scratching the surface of his ability.”

This season, Sims averaged 16.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.5 blocked shots and 31.8 minutes in 41 games with the Erie Bay Hawks of the NBA D-League. He hit .503 from the floor and .793 from the stripe. Last month, he played in two games for the Hornets during a 10-day contract, collecting four points and two rebounds. In the NBA summer league, Sims averaged 3.7 points and shot .818 from the line in nine games with the Chicago Bulls and in the preseason, hit at a 3.2 clip in five outings with the New York Knicks.

Frank Schlosser, in RidiculousUpside.com, noted that Sims’ performance in the D-League established his ability to excel on both ends. “With a high field goal percentage, the big man has proven to be a smart player on offense, too,” said Schlosser. “While his abilities may not signal that he’s the best player on the floor, his instincts and intelligence give way to the fact that Sims can read defenses and attack in ways that make him successful, whether that means muscling his way inside against a defender or pulling back for a somewhat mid-range jumper instead.”