Kevin Ferrer has arrived
After being limited to just 15.7 minutes in the elimination round of the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup, Kevin Ferrer was able to pick up valuable playing time in the Finals. And though just a rookie, he did not back down against the San Miguel Beermen.
During the five-game series, the 23-year-old averaged close to 18 minutes and averaged 8.8 points on highly-efficient 50 percent shooting, to go along with 2.2 rebounds. All the while, he was never intimidated about clash heads with former league MVP Arwind Santos.
And having been on the losing end of the series, Ferrer, who resides in Makati, plans to harness all the knowledge he gained from the series and channel it into his growth as a player.
“Itong first appearance ko, gagawin ko tong charge to experience.
“Sobrang saya na first kong PBA [conference], nakapag-finals agad,” the 6-foot-5 stretch forward shared. “Binabasa ko na lang kung ano yung mga makukuha kong experience dito.”
One of the players who came up to Ferrer after the final buzzer had sounded was Finals MVP Chris Ross. Ross, an eight-year veteran, actually advised Ferrer to keep his head up and continue to do what he is doing, according to the Gilas pool member.
“Kinausap ako ni Chris Ross,” the University of Santo Tomas alumnus shared.
“Just keep doing what you’re supposed to do,’ sabi niya at huwag ako mag-backdown. Pagpatuloy ko lang daw.”
And with that Ferrer knows that he did something right during the Finals. Moreover, he is actually starting to earn the respect of his peers.
