Jeff Chan’s trade to the Barangay has been worth it.
After early exits with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the past conferences, the Negros sniper – who was traded by Phoenix last June 18 – has tasted what it’s like to be a champion once more.
Chan had won his third PBA title on Wednesday night as his Barangay Ginebra San Miguel dethroned the San Miguel Beermen, 93-77, in Game Six of the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
The last time he won a championship was with the Elasto Painters back in the 2016 edition of the mid-season conference, where they took down the Alaska Aces in six games.
“Sarap siyempre.
“First of all, parang ilang conference din na early exit ako. Ngayon lang ulit ako nakaabot ng Finals, so sobrang saya tapos nag-champion pa,” said the 35-year-old.
It has been said many times that nobody thought Ginebra would go all the way to the Big Dance, considering their dangerous spot early in the conference with a 1-5 card.
But then, the streak happened. They won five straight to make it into the next round, swept the Meralco Bolts in the quarterfinals, and then won their semis opener versus Rain or Shine.
All in all, the Gin Kings headed into the Finals having lost just once in the 11 games they played since being 1-5. And for Chan, that run they had made them believe they have a chance to win it all.
“Noong nagkaroon kami ng streak, medyo nakita namin na may chance kami kasi gumanda yung takbo ng team eh,” said Chan.
“Yung kumpiyansa namin lahat, tumaas.”
Chan – who was shipped to the Barangay last June – did admit that he had never thought he would be winning a championship with Ginebra in just his very first conference with them.
“Hindi ko akalain na ngayong conference,” the 10-year league veteran said.
“Akala ko next conference, kasi alam naman natin na defending champion kami noong Governors’ Cup.”
Who knows, he might win in the season-ending conference, too.
