If there’s one thing that the Blackwater Elite have shown in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, it is how deep their young team is, as different players step up to the plate – not just one or two men – in almost every game.
In their 94-91 win versus the Meralco Bolts last Friday, Paul Zamar had his own version of “the shot” and “the block” to save his side and to help the Elite return to the win column after losing to the NLEX Road Warriors last September 26.
And when they battled Rain or Shine on Sunday in Laguna, Mike Di Gregorio turned it up in the third canto, while Nard Pinto struck the dagger to weather the Elasto Painters’ comeback from 16 down and get away with the 99-93 win.
“Yung nangyayari ngayong conference sa team namin, every game na napapanalo namin, iba-ibang player yung nagii-step up, iba-ibang player yung pumuputok,” reflected Allein Maliksi, who also had a hand in Sunday’s win with 13 markers.
“So mas magandang ganun yung nangyayari.”
But as much as he’s delighted with the production of his teammates, the 6-foot-4 gunner still hopes that the time will come when all of the Elite will explode at the same time, which obviously will only lead to greater things for the young squad.
“Actually, ‘di pa nga kami nagkakasabay-sabay na magaganda laro eh, sana in the playoffs or sa mga susunod na games pa magsabay-sabay na para mas maganda yung standings,” said one of Gilas Pilipinas’ resident gunners.
Regarding standings, the Elite have improved to 6-1 after Sunday’s win, giving them a share of the top spot with defending champions Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. But Maliksi made it known that they won’t be stopping there.
“6-1 siyempre happy kami na nasa ganung standing kami,” the seven-year pro said
“Nag-improve kami compared to last conference and sa all-Filipino. But hindi pa rito natatapos yung conference at yung goal namin which is makapasok ng playoffs, maka-advance ng quarters, ng semis, and to the Finals.”
