Aldrech Ramos had been a non-factor for the Magnolia Hotshots in the first four games of the 2018 Philippine Cup semifinals, averaging just 6.2 points while shooting a so-so 35 percent from beyond the arc, along with 2.6 boards.
But the five-year pro was able to change that narrative come Game Five Sunday night, producing 15 markers and nine rebounds to help the Hotshots trounce the NLEX Road Warriors, 87-78, and move a win away from the Finals.
“Ano na lang, binigay ko na lang yung best ko sa team, kung ano matutulong ko,” reflected Ramos of his series-best performance.
“And then, help lang [sa offense] kasi defense naman din talaga nag-panalo sa’min.”
But for the 29-year-old, this outing of his wouldn’t be possible if it hadn’t been for Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero, expressing gratitude to the second-year Magnolia mentor for giving him enough confidence to play his game.
Photo by PBA Images
“Nagsabi lang siya sa’kin na yung confidence ko, ‘wag ako mag-hesitate,” shared Ramos. “Siyempre as a player, sobrang morale-boost yun.
“Coming from your coach, nagbibigay siya ng ganung confidence, sobrang kumpiyansa yun.”
“I talked to Aldrech before this game yesterday. Sabi ko sa kanya, in order for us to win this series, kailangan niya magstep up. So I’m very thankful and happy for Aldrech kasi nakapagstep up siya,” said Victolero, on the other hand.
The Hotshots are now on the cusp of going into the title bout for the first time since 2014. But even if the feat is just within their reach, Ramos and Magnolia do not want to be too confident, as the memories of the past still linger.
Magnolia had been in this position before in the 2017 Philippine Cup semifinals. They led the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel 3-2, but the Gin Kings found ways to bounce back and eventually made their way into the Big Dance.
“Same situation as last year,” the Gilas pioneer said. “Wala pa kami napapatunayan, hindi pa namin nao-overcome yung nangyari sa’min last year.
“Dapat huwag kami makampante para makuha namin yung Game Six.”
