Never fade
The last time Danny Seigle was sinking crucial shots down the stretch and nailing milestones was during his tenure with San Miguel Beermen, which spanned from 1999 to 2011.
It can be remembered that during his 12-year stay with the Beermen, six championships came along, with him and fellow all-time great Danny Ildefonso leading the pack. But of course, time flies fast, and change is always constant.
Seigle’s star dimmed from then on, and his status as one of the league’s prolific scorers slid down to becoming a reliable role player. Obviously, he aged, but he was never forgotten by anyone.
Now fast forward to 2017, the 40-year-old forward is now seen riding the bench for TNT Katropa, serving as a back-up to the likes of veterans Ranidel De Ocampo and Kelly Williams while serving as mentor to young guns like Troy Rosario and Moala Tautuaa.
It has been years since Seigle was starring for a franchise. But on Sunday night, in Game 3 of their semifinal series against San Miguel Beermen, Seigle gave his old team a throwback performance — even for just a six minute span.
Seigle finished with four points, but those two baskets proved to be vital for TNT’s victory. Those back-to-back lay-ups of his off backdoor cuts lifted TNT to an 84-81 lead midway into the final frame.
For some, it may just be a small contribution. But the whole Katropa knows that if it weren’t for those buckets, they may not be even going home with the much-need victory.
“Well you know, Seigle will always be Seigle,” quipped first-year TNT head coach Nash Racela.
“I work hard every day just to stay right here. Sometimes my name is called, sometimes it’s not. I put in the effort just to be ready for situations like this,” said Seigle of his outing.
But aside from his pivotal baskets, Seigle also accomplished a career milestone Sunday night –300 career blocks.
“It’s another milestone that I guess I can look back and be proud of. I’m not always known for my defense,” said the four-time Finals MVP.
“I wish I could look back that I did that.”
What made Seigle’s 300th block of his 17-year career was the fact that he did that on 6-foot-9 San Miguel center June Mar Fajardo. During the second quarter, Fajardo rose for a lay-up, but Seigle timed his shot perfectly and swatted it from behind.
“I guess it gives a little more special because he [June Mar] is the biggest guy in the league,” the two-time Best Player of the Conference reflected.
“I always said I’m a self-proclaimed underrated big.”
It was definitely a memorable Sunday night for the six-foot-six veteran. He maybe at the twilight of his career, but the way he can bring impact to a game — even through the smallest of things — will never fade.
