After Joseph Yeo notched a season-high 28 points in Barako Bull’s come-from-behind 105-99 win over Meralco Sunday, Energy head coach Koy Banal can’t help but be thankful as he went to Barako via a trade.
“I am so thankful Joseph Yeo went to us. When I found out he is going to be traded, wala nang isip-isip. Go, let’s do it. He is fantastic when it regards to our three-point percentage,” Banal recalled his excited when Yeo was traded to the Energy for Sol Mercado.
In the win, Yeo also finished with 6 assists and drilled 5 triples as Barako completed a huge comeback to stay unbeaten. In the conference so far, Yeo is hoisting about half of his shots from downtown (21-of-45), helping Barako space the floor with another threat from outside.
“We want to run and use the ball screen. We have an inside-outside threat. We have a 7-footer so he is attracting a lot of defense. Wala pa siyang bola, dalawa na ang tao roon so one of our guys is open. That is what Joseph (Yeo), Dylan (Ababou), RR (Garcia), and JC (Intal) can do for us,” Banal shared what Yeo’s addition means to the system.
Five players finished in double digits for the Energy, led by Liam McMorrow’s double-double effort of 19 points and 23 rebounds. Justin Chua, RR Garcia, and Jake Pascual combined for 38 points and 15 boards.
By far the biggest difference for the Energy on both ends of the floor, McMorrow has helped the team by giving confidence to his teammates to shoot from the outside, knowing he is strong and huge enough to take care of the dirty work underneath.
“It’s a choice other teams have to make. We have knockdown shooters. It’s either you double me and let them take outside shots or leave me alone and I will score. It is really good for the shooters because it takes the pressure off them,” the Canadian native shared.
With a 4-0 card, Banal says it is a validation of the team’s effort to play as one, and he hopes they can continue to defy challenges.
“It is just a sign thay everyone is excited about what is happening about our team. I would like to give credit to the players. If one or two guys are off, somebody has to step up,” Banal said.
