Kevin Ferrer and Aljon Mariano stepped up at the very best of times.
In Ginebra’s 108-97 semifinal-clinching victory, the two University of Santo Tomas standouts delivered in the best way they could. Mariano produced 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting and nine boards off the bench, while Ferrer, who was a starter in tonight’s match, dropped 15 markers.
With the way the younger wards displayed their wares, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone was nothing but impressed — especially with Mariano, a 2013 draftee.
“Aljon and Kevin stepped up big for us,” said the multi-titled coach.
“Our young guys were aggressive. Aljon practiced well and he takes advantage of the opportunity. We weren’t surprised that he played well.”
And for the 6-foot-3, 200-pound small forward, his breakout game — coming off an ankle injury that sidelined him for four games — is just the outcome of his desire to step up, since forward Joe Devance is out with a foot injury.
“Coming to the game, naging ready lang talaga ako kasi alam ko na bubunutin niya ako kasi wala si Joe eh. Sabi ko, be fearless lang, be fearless, be aggressive lang.
“Paulit-ulit ko sinasabi, coming into the game, maging aggressive ka lang at lumabas naman sa game ko,” explained Mariano.
When asked if Mariano, who averaged 4.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 14 minutes playing time in the eight games he played in the eliminations, will put up such kind of numbers every night, Mariano does not think so.
“‘Di ko naman kailangan umiskor ng 20 lagi. Basta mabigay ko lang yung hustle and aggressiveness na hinihingi sa akin ni Coach Tim, at madepensahan yung mga pinapa-match-up niya sa akin [okay na],” pointed the 24-year-old.
On the other hand, Ferrer, aside from his decent output on offense, made his presence felt on the other end as he was tasked to guard none other than Alaska star Calvin Abueva. The two were even seen exchanging trash talks as the game went along.
“Pinag-aralan ko talaga yung game ni Calvin. Gabi pa lang after ng game, inabangan ko na yung game namin sa Youtube at nakita ko yung magandang ginawa ko. Pinagaralan ko talaga,” said the Gilas Cadet.
Moreover, Ferrer thinks that he made a good job in defending the physical six-foot-two athletic banger.
“In-enjoy ko lang yung ginagawa ko. Nakakastop naman eh. Nung huli, ganito din ang nilalaro ko sa UAAP so focus lang talaga. Ang unang mapikon, talo.”
And with the game’s final result, the two-time UAAP silver medalist credited the grit he and his teammates displayed in a must-win situation, saying that they all did what they could to avoid being kicked out of the playoffs.
“Ako, ginawa ko lang ang best ko at sila din naman, ginawa. Alam ko naman si Aljon, gagawin nya yung best nya eh. Yung mga bata [rin].
“Ayaw namin magbakasyon kaya ginawa namin yung best namin. Focus lang talaga,” voiced Ferrer, who averaged 4.9 points during the first round.
Now that Ginebra have booked a flight to the semifinals for a clash with Star Hotshots in another Manila Clasico affair, Mariano and the whole Barangay have their sights locked in the upcoming best-of-seven series.
“Ayun nga, syempre, Manila Clasico, siyempre yung hype, nandoon talaga. Yung fans, sobrang supportive pareho.
“Ang ganda ng nilalaro nila, so kailangan namin na ma-discomfort naman namin yung game nila, kasi sobrang komportable sila sa ginagawa nila ngayon. Siyempre, mag-start muna kami sa defense,” stated Mariano.
