Contrary to popular belief, players are not only valued based on producing points, grabbing rebounds or doing anything that reflects on the stats sheet. Sometimes, it’s valuable to get a player who will do the intangibles for your team.
Alaska Aces guard Ping Exciminiano is a classic example of that. Exciminiano loves doing the dirty work, and he’s been willing to do that as long as his team wins. Previously on the reserved list, Exciminiano was given an opportunity to play by doing things the old fashion way – work hard, hustle and no let up on defense. These are the traits coaches want to have on their team, particularly an Alex Compton team.
With his team down by 19 points at one turn, Exciminiano was hoping he’ll be given the chance to help his team and he did just that.
“Sa akin kasi I take pride [in] what I do. Ma-pride ako. Kaya nung nakita ko na we’re down by 19 halos maiyak na ako. Gigil na ako hindi ko na alam gagawin ko gusto ko na pumasok, gusto kong tulungan yung team ko. Kung sino yung umiiskor sa kanila gusto ko nakadikit lang ako sa kanya, pipigilan ko. Nung pagpasok sa akin ni Coach, nagawa naman naming nakahabol kami,” added Exciminiano.
For Exciminiano, he’s excited about the fact that he’s playing in a game of this magnitude. But he’s relishing his role as a combo guard who does so many things, including stopping the opposing team’s premier guards.
“First time kong maglaro sa semis. Sumusunod ako sa pattern ni Coach, he could play me either as a point guard or an off guard. Pero alam ko na yung role ko once pinasok ako ni Coach lalo na kapag kasabay ko si JVee [Casio] or si RJ [Jazul]. Ang role ko sila yung nagpo-point ako yung nag-2 kapag opensa, pero kapag depensa, ako yung dumedepensa sa point guard,” added Exciminiano.
