Dave Marcelo was among those earning praise from head coach Chot Reyes for stepping up in lieu of Kelly Williams in Game One of the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup semifinals between TNT and San Miguel, Sunday.
The veteran mentor lauded the bruising big man together with Poy Erram, Troy Rosario, and Roger Pogoy. They all came through in the absence of the 39-year-old, who’s under the league’s health and safety protocols.
“Every guy did a little bit extra. Like Roger did a little bit extra on rebounding and defending inside. And then, of course, the bulk falls on Poy Erram, Dave Marcelo, and Troy. It was a hell of an effort,” said Reyes.
What the champion bench tactician was so glad about Marcelo and his fellow bigs was their effort in containing the league’s reigning, six-time Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo the best they could.
SMB’s main man finished with 13 points on 6-of-12 shooting and 11 rebounds but committed six turnovers – the most he’s had in the tilt.
“It was a superhuman effort by our bigs without our starting big man to just stay with June Mar.
“No one can stop June Mar. Our best is just to stay and contain our best and see what happens,” said Reyes.
Unfortunately, though, Marcelo fouled out with 4:42 left to play. He left the game with only three points and two rebounds, but he actually had a game-high three blocks in the 20 minutes and 55 seconds he played.
More importantly, all their efforts did not go down the drain as the Tropang Giga won, 89-88, to draw first blood in the best-of-seven series.
Marcelo definitely seized the opportunity given to him by Reyes. And that’s exactly what the outspoken mentor advised him and his teammates, most especially those who are part of the Tropa’s bench mob.
Those players, in particular, are Glenn Khobuntin, the returning Brian Heruela, Ping Exciminiano, and Gryann Mendoza – all of whom were picked up by the flagship MVP Group franchise from the free agent pool in the offseason.
Photo by PBA Images
“Ang tawag namin diyan, ‘yung mga kurimaw,” said the 58-year-old Reyes with a chuckle. “These are the guys, dinampot lang namin eh. These guys, we picked for nothing. Wala kaming tinrade.
“‘Yun ang tawag namin, ‘yung mga kurimaw — Dave Marcelo, Glenn Khobuntin, Heruela, Exciminiano, Mendoza. These guys, we just picked out from wala lang. They were just free, they were available, and we picked these guys.
“So I said, so take advantage. This is your chance, ‘di ba. Basically, they had no team at the start of the season, and now you have an opportunity. So sabi ko, take advantage. Just give it your best. ‘Yun lang naman ang inaano namin,” he continued.
Photo by PBA Images
Well, they did.
