Married to Filipina, Hong Kong Eastern player puts familiarity with PBA to use

MANILA, Philippines – The Filipino connection is strong with PBA guest team Hong Kong Eastern.

In fact, Steven Guinchard is married to one.

Familiarity with Philippine basketball has not been a problem for Guinchard, who tied the knot with his partner Jessrine in Siargao last July.

  

“My wife’s family has been watching the PBA since forever. They know more than I do, obviously,” said Guinchard. “I’ve been pretty familiar with the PBA.”

He even got to see Meralco make history when it ruled the Philippine Cup in June for its first PBA crown.

“I watched the Bolts win the championship, I watched it on TV in Butuan City,” said Guinchard, who also went up against Alab Pilipinas in the ASEAN Basketball League when he helped Eastern reign in the 2016-2017 season.

Guinchard put his knowledge of the PBA to use as he keyed Eastern to a 2-0 start in the Commissioner’s Cup, scoring 14 points in a 117-106 win over Converge on Friday, November 29.

The French-Taiwanese guard became the first Eastern player to score from four-point distance, going 2-of-3 from the additional line the PBA adopted this season.

“It feels good, especially looking back at my teammates and seeing them celebrate and being happy for me, makes me want to make even more four-point shots,” said Guinchard.

“Seeing the team being together like that, that makes me want to make even more. And there’s more coming.”

Up next for Eastern is Rain or Shine on December 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and Guinchard wants the team to stay on its toes.

“We don’t want to celebrate too much about it because we still want to focus on the next game. The goal is to win a championship,” said Guinchard. – Rappler.com