Tony Bishop shrugs off criticisms: ‘I don’t care what anybody says’

It’s going to be a challenging task for Brgy. Ginebra to recover from the nightmare of being swept by San Miguel in the semifinals of the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.

However, their import, Tony Bishop, seems unfazed by the criticism that he is not a worthy replacement for Justin Brownlee.

“I don’t care what nobody (anybody) says,” said Bishop after the crowd darlings were dethroned on Sunday. “It goes into one ear and out the other. So I continue to play my game and continue to do what I can do to help the team.”

“This series, we weren’t able to get it. I tip my hat off to these guys (San Miguel) to say they’re the better team this series,” he added.

The Gin Kings had enlisted Bishop as a backup option while waiting for FIBA’s decision on Brownlee, who had tested positive for THC after a random drug test during Gilas Pilipinas’ victory in the Asian Games.

Despite being scrutinized, the 34-year-old Bishop believes that he did his best to fill Brownlee’s shoes.

“I think anything you do in life, you’re going to get criticized, especially coming after Brownlee who’s a really great player, who’s been here for years, who’s brought Ginebra championships. This is my first year playing with everybody, learning the team,” stressed Bishop.

“For me, I do what I do. Everybody knows my game. I play all parts of the game: I play defense, I can guard one through five, I can shoot, I can penetrate, I can do all types of things,” he added.

In the must-win Game 3, Bishop contributed 25 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and provided two assists, two steals, and one block in nearly 45 minutes of play.

Although his impressive performance was in vain, Bishop has made a strong case for himself if the Gin Kings opt to utilize his services in future import conferences, particularly in his favorite tournament, the Governors’ Cup, which limits imports to a height of 6’6”.

“Yeah, I feel like I already have the chemistry with these guys,” said Bishop. “I don’t know what the situation is, but if they call me and say they want me back, I would definitely, happily accept it.”

“I’m already used to the Governors’ Cup, so I already know what to bring to the table and I already have the chemistry with these guys, so I think it will be a good fit,” added the one-time Meralco reinforcement.