Blackwater Bossing forward Nick Demusis was in basketball wasteland, toiling between mid-tier leagues. Then, just prior to the PBA Governors’ Cup, he made it back to the big league.
New Lease of PBA Life for Demusis
Pat Aquino, given his head coaching break just last conference, gave the 6-foot-4 veteran another chance, and he is making the most out of it. Demusis has played in all of Blackwater’s three games, including its close 116-114 loss to the Meralco Bolts on Tuesday, and has played in the only way he knows how: full tilt, all energy, all hustle.
“When opportunity comes, you just kind of go all in for it and be ready for that opportunity. Because in this line of work, second chances don’t come,” he told the PBA. “There’s two things about the PBA. One, it’s hard to stay in, and two, it’s hard to get back. So, if that chance comes, or you’re in it, you might as well go all the way because you never know when you’ll be going.”
Demusis has certainly proven ready for his second chance. In 18 minutes against the Bolts, the 35-year-old tallied 4 points, 1 rebound, and 1 steal. In three games so far this conference, he has averaged 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assist.
How Demusis Found His Way to Blackwater
Demusis started his PBA career with the Phoenix Fuel Masters, who selected him 18th overall in the 2021 PBA Draft. After carving a role in Phoenix as a defensive player and energy guy, he was traded to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, where he spent three seasons playing essentially the same role. Unfortunately, he was dropped by Rain or Shine prior to Season 50 and could not find a new home.
That’s when the energetic forward jumped from one league to the other, from the MPBL to pocket tournaments with the Zamboanga Valientes. He then tried to win a spot in the UE Red Warriors coaching staff, who persuaded Demusis to try out for Blackwater.
Nick Demusis did. And rest assured he’s going all out every time he plays.
