Every young big man in the PBA always looks forward to the time they get to share the court with Rain or Shine Elasto Painters bruiser Beau Belga. Always physical, the nine-year veteran makes sure to welcome the league’s rookies in his own special way.
Friday evening, it was Raymar Jose’s turn.
With 3:56 remaining in the opening frame of the Blackwater-Rain or Shine tilt, the 6-foot-4 workhorse saw a free lane for a short stab. Creeping behind was Belga who swatted away his attempt. The 6-foot-5 big man then turned to Jose.
“Sabi niya sa akin nung napalpal niya ko, ‘Bata mo pa boy!’,” recalled Jose, who was the third overall pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft.
Instead of backing down, Jose retaliated. But he did not answer back, choosing to toughen up with the challenge imposed by one of the league’s imposing figure.
“Parang nagdagdagan pa yung kumpiyansa ko na lumaban pa. Kumbaga tine-test lang nila ako,” said the soft-spoken product of Far Eastern University.
Jose went on to finish with 12 points and eight rebounds, helping Blackwater to a 92-87 win over Rain or Shine. Besides the win, the 25-year-old was grateful for the opportunity of being able to face one of his idols.
“Okay naman kasi napapalaban ako tapos pisikal pa laro nila,” Jose shared. “Kailangan ko ma-experience yung mga ganiyang pisikal na laro para mag-mature pa ako as a player.”
“Siyempre sanay na ako sa ganung laro. Hinahanda ko lang sarili ko lagi na mangyayari yun dito,” the native of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental.
“Thankful lang ako na nakakalaban ko sila.”
