“Whenever coach puts me in, I’m ready.”
With 2:49 to go before the first half wrapped up, Chris Ross was assessed with a flagrant foul penalty one after apparently tripping the TNT Katropa’s Ryan Reyes, forcing him to sit on the bench for three minutes.
Ross being on the sidelines, even in that short amount of time, should have been a tough blow for San Miguel Beermen. But that event turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the Beermen.
It was all because Brian Heruela made the most out of the opportunity.
The Cebu-born Filipino-American was the one fielded in by head coach Leo Austria for Ross and the wide-bodied point guard did not disappoint, making his presence felt right away on both ends of the floor.
“He was amazing, man,” lauded Ross of Heruela, who finished with five points, two assists, a rebound, and a steal in 14 minutes of game time.
“Last game he was amazing, this game he was amazing. When I got the F1, he came in and we didn’t miss a beat.”
Looking at the stat sheet, Heruela’s numbers will not stand out, but it was his defense that shone the brightest in their Game Three victory, as he defended TNT star Jayson Castro, making sure that the latter will have a long night.
Castro still put up 17 markers, three boards, and three dimes, but his turnovers negated his usual numbers, as he mishandled the ball 10 times. Moreover, the best point guard in Asia shot just 8-of-18 from the floor.
“He’s a strong body so it gives Jayson a different look and he forced Jayson to a few turnovers and a few tough shots,” said Ross of Heruela’s effort. “Everything that Brian did on the court today was a positive and I really welcome that because it gives me extra time to rest and I don’t have to play 40-some minutes a game.
“When Brian does that and coach has trust on him, its good for the team.”
Austria also could not help but marvel at the way the University of Cebu product played his role in the series-leading victory.
“I’m happy to say na some of the players really stepped up, especially ‘yung bench namin, in the absence of Chris Ross. Si Heruela, binigay niya ang quality minutes in the absence of Chris Ross,” praised the four-time champion coach.
But for the 28-year-old, it was still total team effort that paved the way to the needed win, and all that he personally wanted was to go out there and play as much as he can for the Beermen.
“I think it’s collective effort from the whole team. Me personally, I just want to play hard and do the best way I can to help my team in every way,” said the 26th overall pick in the 2014 draft. “Good thing we had a good run and we executed well and we’re able to have good defense and things went our way na rin.
“Thank God I was able to make some plays for my team.”
And for him, it was the result of being ready whenever his number is called upon.
“I always prepare myself mentally and physically. Whenever coach puts me in, I’m always ready.”
