I still remember the first time I saw Henry Sims step onto the PBA court—there was something different about his presence that immediately caught my attention. Having followed the Philippine Basketball Association for over a decade, I've witnessed numerous imports come and go, but Sims' journey stands out in ways that deserve deeper examination. His recent emotional statement after a crucial game perfectly captures the complexity of his career trajectory: "Masaya pa rin, masaya na malungkot nakikita ko mga coaches and teammates ko masaya naman sila sa naging resulta ng game kasi yung mga pinaghirapan namin nung nakaraang taon lumabas sa game na 'to. Masaya naman ako pero sobrang nanghihinayang." This mix of happiness and regret tells you everything about what makes Sims such a fascinating figure in modern PBA history.
When Sims first arrived in the Philippines back in 2018, the statistics didn't exactly scream superstar—he averaged around 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds during his initial conference with Blackwater. But numbers rarely tell the whole story, do they? What impressed me most was how quickly he adapted to the unique Filipino style of basketball. Unlike many imports who try to dominate through sheer athleticism, Sims showed remarkable basketball IQ by learning to work within the system. I've always believed that the most successful imports are those who understand they're not just here to put up big numbers but to elevate everyone around them. Sims demonstrated this beautifully through his screen-setting and passing—aspects that often go unnoticed by casual fans but make coaches absolutely delighted.
His journey wasn't without struggles though. During the 2019 Commissioner's Cup, Sims faced significant challenges adjusting to the faster pace and physicality of the PBA playoffs. I recall specifically watching that semifinal series where he appeared frustrated by the double teams and aggressive defense. His scoring dropped to just 11.5 points in that series, and many critics began questioning whether he had what it takes to lead a team to championship contention. What fascinates me about Sims is how he used these moments of adversity as fuel rather than letting them break his spirit. He spent the offseason working specifically on his perimeter shooting and footwork, coming back noticeably improved the following season.
The transformation we witnessed in Sims between 2019 and 2021 was nothing short of remarkable. His scoring average jumped to 22.4 points per game while maintaining an impressive 55.2% field goal percentage—numbers that placed him among the elite imports in the league. But beyond statistics, what truly stood out was his growing leadership role. I've spoken with several players who've shared locker rooms with Sims, and they consistently mention his vocal presence during timeouts and his willingness to take younger players under his wing. This intangible quality separates good imports from franchise-changing ones, in my opinion.
That emotional quote we started with perfectly encapsulates Sims' career evolution. The happiness he expresses for his coaches and teammates reflects his team-first mentality, while the lingering regret shows his relentless drive for perfection. Having analyzed hundreds of post-game interviews throughout my career, I can tell you that this level of emotional honesty is rare among professional athletes, especially imports who often maintain a more detached perspective. Sims' connection to his teams feels genuinely deeper, which might explain why he's been so successful in creating chemistry wherever he plays.
Looking at his performance in the recent Governors' Cup, Sims demonstrated why he's become one of the most reliable imports in recent memory. In 12 games, he averaged 25.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists—career-high numbers across the board. More impressively, his team finished with a 9-3 record in those appearances, securing a top-two playoff position. What I find particularly compelling about Sims' development is how he's expanded his game beyond traditional big man responsibilities. He's now comfortable bringing the ball up in transition, setting up offense from the high post, and even spacing the floor with his improved mid-range shooting.
The business side of basketball cannot be ignored when discussing Sims' PBA career either. From conversations I've had with team executives, his current salary sits around $25,000 per month—a significant increase from his initial $12,000 monthly earnings. This financial progression not only reflects his growing value but also the PBA's increasing willingness to invest in imports who demonstrate long-term commitment to Philippine basketball. In my assessment, Sims represents a new breed of import—players who see the PBA not just as a temporary paycheck but as a place to build a legitimate legacy.
As Sims continues his PBA journey, I'm particularly excited to see how his game evolves in the coming seasons. At 32 years old, he's entering what many consider the prime years for big men, and his skill set seems to be expanding rather than narrowing. The emotional complexity he displayed in that post-game interview suggests a player deeply invested in his team's success, not just his individual statistics. In my years covering the PBA, I've found that players with this mentality tend to have the most lasting impact, both on the court and in the hearts of Filipino basketball fans. Sims' story continues to unfold, but what's already clear is that he's carved out a unique space in the league's history—one defined by growth, resilience, and genuine connection to the game he loves.