Jeff Chan wasn’t forgotten by Ginebra head coach Tim Cone following the Kings’ successful defense of their PBA Governors’ Cup throne, Friday night.
“Jeff Chan was the comeback kid for us,” the league’s only 24-time champion mentor said moments after their 103-92 win over Meralco in Game Six of the Finals for their fourth title in the last five editions of the conference.
The 39-year-old marksman was indeed key in the Barangay’s turnaround after a harrowing four-game slide, providing an unlikely spark in their final elimination round game against former team Rain or Shine last March 6.
Averaging just two points prior, he unloaded 15 points on four three-pointers to help his side secure the 104-93 victory to clinch a quarterfinal seat.
The Far Eastern University product had his moment in the semis as well. He dropped a conference-high 20 points on five triples as Ginebra showed NLEX the door by way of a 112-93 conquest in Game Four last March 30.
Chan then logged significant minutes in the finale and contributed decently with norms of 5.8 points to ultimately win his fourth title as a Gin KIng.
The 2012 Governors’ Cup Finals Most Valuable Player was simply glad to have been given the chance to help his team in ways that he can.
“Nabigyan lang ako ng chance,” he said.
“I think … going into the playoffs na lang ako nakalaro. Thankfully, I’m healthy this time, and kundisyon naman ako.”
“Kung defense kailangan ni Coach, binibigay ko naman. As long as… may maliit man ako na maitulong, makatulong lang ako sa mga panalo namin, I’m very happy. ‘Yun lang,” Chan continued.
He now looks forward to winning more championships, though he hopes to do it with Ginebra, still — the six-time PBA champion disclosed that his contract with the ball club is expiring at the end of the conference.
“Baka ‘yung management bigyan ako ng chance ulit, ‘di ko naman sila ipapahiya. I mean, hindi naman akong pabaya na player.
“I still love to play, I still love the game and if may chance, again, ire-ready ko yung katawan ko, makipagsabayan sa mga bata ngayon. And, we’ll see. And try to win more championships,” said Chan. “I think I can help pa rin. I think I can play pa rin, and age is just a number. As long as you’re healthy, you prepare yourself, I think you’re okay.”
For now, though, Chan will soak into yet another championship glory.
“And pwede na rin ako mag-golf.”
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