JEDDAH (Saudi Arabia) - Tevin Mack found himself taking on a bigger responsibility for Ittihad Club after Makur Maker suffered a thumb injury and is expected to sit out for a significant amount of time.
Yet the 27-year-old didn't fold and even embraced the challenge with open arms, ultimately becoming one of the unsung heroes that contributed to their success in the 2024/2025 FIBA WASL-Gulf League.
"I'm very satisfied with the new guy, Mack," said head coach Slobodan Subotic, visibly proud as their most recent acquisition more than stepped up to the plate despite giving up a few inches in their frontline.
The decorated mentor offered as much after their 88-74 win over Al Qadsia SC in Game 3 of the Semi-Finals in Kuwait City - a result in which Mack had his handprints all over to help complete the reverse sweep.
Despite battling a bigger opposing frontline led by Chinemelu Elonu, the 1.98 M (6'6") forward still finished with an impressive double-double of 19 points on 50-percent shooting from the floor and 17 rebounds.
He was crucial in the third quarter as well, joining hands with Keron DeShields in leading the reversal before the rest of the crew put together a strong finish to formalize their date with Shabab Al Ahli in the Final.
His Game 3 showing was also him upping the ante after a solid WASL debut in the match prior, in which he had 17 points and 5 rebounds at their home floor at the Green Basketball Court to drag their foes to a decider.
To think that he did that given that he only signed with Ittihad last March 11 - days before the Saudi Basketball League Finals clash with Al Ahli Jeddah where they eventually won - makes it all the more impressive.
"He came last week but he played hard, and he was one of their key players in these two games," said Subotic as Mack finished the Semi-Finals with norms of 18.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and a steal.
Of course, they all miss Maker and his presence but their new guy who hails from South Carolina performed so commendably that they're sticking with him and DeShields in their upcoming best-of-3 title bout.
"He gave us so many things this year - not only in WASL, but in the local championship," lauded Subotic of the 2.11 M (6'11") Maker, who was there with the team right in their very first game in the pan-regional competition.
"Unfortunately, the guy was trying and playing with pain. He gave everything. He gave his heart for this team and we miss him a lot. I wish that we have him now, but we will continue with two players," he added.
FIBA