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In Synch with Chris Timberlake
by JP Abcede
(November 17, 2008)

His surname is familiar but not a lot of people know his game.

He is Toyota Otis point guard Chris Timberlake. It has been a running joke among his coaches who address him as Justin, after that former 'N Sync member.

"I just joke back that he is my cousin," he kidded.

This Pampanga native grew up and played ball in Florida. He suited up for NCAA Division I school University of North Florida for four seasons. His best year was in 2006-07 when he averaged 11.0 ppg and 4.1 apg, shooting 39% at the field and 36% at the three point area in 29 games.

The style of play in the PBL here reminds him of college basketball back in the States. "It is physical," he admitted. "But here it is more uptempo. The coaching staff and the players have told me what it is like playing here," he added. "The physicality, everything, so I have prepared myself for it."

Another thing Timberlake is familiar with is the climate since Florida is in the tropic zone. "The weather is pretty much the same, so I did not adjust to it much," Chris related. "The culture is different though."

But it is not new to him since he occasionally goes here to visit his relatives, the last time was in 2000. Because of that, he was able to develop an eloquent Kapampangan tongue which he uses to converse with the team staff. Timberlake arrived here on September 18 with the brother of former PBA cager Rey Lazaro assisting him in the processing of his application.

As a point guard, he sees his position as different. "You are the extension of the coach on the floor. You have to be the leader of the team," he explained. "You call the shots. You recognize mismatches and call the plays. Point guards are unique because of this."

So far, the assessment on him has been good and he is getting along\ well with his teammates and his coach. "We get along great. I feel blessed with the teammates I have," the 23-year old mentioned. "Our mission is to have team chemistry. Without team chemistry, we would not accomplish anything." Sparks head coach Ariel Vanguardia concurred, ""Madali siyang pakisamahan. He blended well."

"I am glad I am playing for him," Timberlake related to Vanguardia. "He is a coach that builds relationships with his players. He is a good coach."

Just like any player, Timberlake also has plans of making it to the next level, but that is up to God if he reaches that goal. "I should play my game, be aggressive, and be a leader on the floor," he analyzed. "It is up to God if I make it. All I need is to be faithful."

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