The Meralco Bolts were fully aware that — aside from being undermanned due to the absences of Jared Dillinger and Cliff Hodge — they would head into their clash with the San Miguel Beermen without anyone to match up against June Mar Fajardo.
So coach Norman Black had to go deep into his bench to look for that Orangeman that could square up with the reigning four-time PBA Most Valuable Player. And on Wednesday night, he had chosen one.
Ken Bono, that is.
The product of Adamson University — who has seen insignificant minutes with the Bolts ever since he came into the MVP franchise in 2015 — finally spent more time on the floor as he was tasked to go toe-to-toe with the Kraken.
“He did pretty well tonight against June Mar,” lauded Black of the six-foot-three Bono. “Can’t really stop June Mar but he did a pretty decent job of at least trying to push him out of the lane.
“Yeah, I was happy with the way Ken played.”
Not only did he play his part on defense, but the wide-bodied Bono also made his mark on the offensive end, scoring eight by making all four of his shots — an outing where he truly maximized the 11:36 minutes he had on the floor.
“Alam ko na meron yang shooting dahil, sinabi ko nga sa kanila, na he’s one of the best shooters among big men,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, who was Bono’s head coach during his time with Adamson in the prestigious UAAP.
“May tira sa labas eh, so good thing nakita ko siya na naglalaro.”
The Orangemen, unfortunately, lost to the Beermen, 103-97, putting Bono’s effort to naught. But that doesn’t take away the fact that on Wednesday night, he was able to showcase what he can bring when given enough time.
“Thankful ako sa opportunity na binigay niya (coach Norman Black),” said Bono, who is a 10-year pro. “Ginawa ko lang best ko na makatulong sa team, lalong-lalo na… (By) stopping si June Mar — actually di mo naman maiistop si Fajardo e, kailangan macontain mo lang.
“Kaya thankful ako sa opportunity na binigay ni coach.”
Black admitted that Bono has been hurt as of late, that he had returned to practice just a week ago. Barring any injuries and other health concerns, Bono hopes that he could be given another chance just like Wednesday night.
“Siguro, sana, hopefully,” the former UAAP MVP expressed.
“Depende naman talaga sa coach yun e, dapat maging ready lang ako every game.”
