Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

At age 41, Rafi Reavis remains a ‘big time player’


With the Magnolia Hotshots’ backs against the wall, the squad leaned on one of their veterans as their rock.

Nineteen-year-pro Rafi Reavis provided the steady presence for Magnolia in their 63-60 overtime conquest of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to advance to their second straight Philippine Cup Finals.

Reavis played 40 minutes in the contest, hauling down 20 rebounds – 10 on the offensive end.

And it played a huge role in deciding the contest.

“I think we just lost it sa offensive boards. Sobrang dami nilang offensive rebounds,” lamented Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia.

“I even told them before the game that our worry is Rafi Reavis and the way he gets offensive rebounds. ‘Yun ‘yung nangyari. He finished with twenty rebounds and ten offensive,” he continued.

“Big time player.”

At 41-years, nine months, and two days, Reavis became the oldest player to grab 20 rebounds in a Game 7, according to league statistician Fidel Mangonon.

But for the 11-time PBA champion, there’s nothing special about what he did. It was just about effort and desire.

“It’s just about effort.

“It’s gonna boil down to who wanted it more, so those are all effort plays the rebounds, the hustle points. There’s nothing glorious about it,” said Reavis, who is a member of the 2019 All-Defensive squad.

“It’s all about who’s gonna do the dirty work better, that’s what this series was about and that’s what it came down to. It’s just the dirty work and that’s what I’m known for doing,” he added.

#ReadMore  San Miguel rallies from 29 down, beats Rain or Shine by 12 to take Game 2

There are no signs of slowing down for Reavis, especially with these kinds of outings. And he knows it.

“You guys know that I have a lot left in the tank. I’m just trying to keep up with the young guys, I’m still having fun. I really enjoy playing with this group of guys and I’m fortunate to have a management that really stands behind me and believes in me,” he expressed.

“I have a lot left.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Kelly Williams came through in dire straits as TNT escaped Magnolia, 80-79, to overcome a twice-to-win disadvantage and advance to the PBA Season 49...

Basketball

Roger Pogoy took the lead and the others followed as TNT kept its Grand Slam bid very much alive by disabling Magnolia’s win-once bonus,...

Basketball

Robert Bolick and Xyrus Torres led a furious comeback for NLEX, rallying from a 19-point deficit to hand Magnolia another tough loss, 107-99, and...

Basketball

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero is positive that William Navarro will soon get the hang of playing within his new reality, being with a perennial...

Basketball

Ginebra came from behind to beat Magnolia, 85-81, in another thrilling Manila Clasico showdown to throw itself into the Top Four race in the...

Basketball

William Navarro isn’t shying away from the pressure that comes with donning a Magnolia jersey. After all, he’s joining one of the most storied...

Basketball

As the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup enters its crucial stage, Magnolia is eyeing a major roster move in the hopes of ending a long...

Basketball

Paul Lee powered the decisive fourth-quarter assault Magnolia rode toward the 106-97 come-from-behind win against NorthPort to become the first to clinch a quarterfinal...

Advertisement