There’s no denying that Chris Banchero is playing a huge role in the Alaska Aces’ surge this 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup.
The Milkmen have collected their third consecutive victory on Saturday in Antipolo City, as they warded off Kevin Murphy and the San Miguel Beermen, 127-119, to forge a triple tie at the second spot of the team standings.
In the win over the struggling San Miguel, Banchero – he himself considered a former Beerman, as he played for the San Miguel Beermen in the ASEAN Basketball League years back – made 15 points and 12 assists with a steal and a block.
“Guys are making shots so it’s easy for me. My job is to find open guys and kind of be a floor general,” said the Filipino-Italian guard of his performance.
But more than his teammates making shots, what really elevated Banchero’s game was the idea of Aces assistant coach Eric Altamirano to switch him to the two-spot when he’s on the floor, far from his usual point guard duties.
But that move seems to be working as far as numbers are concerned.
“I’m very comfortable. I feel good. I can get out. Transition is really my strength so I can get out and put pressure on the defense and then, find the open shooters so it’s a really good move,” explained the four-year pro out of Seattle Pacific.
“I’ve played well since he’s moved me to the two and I think it was Coach E’s idea as well.”
Saturday night marked yet another double-double performance for Banchero in the season-ending conference. When asked if this has been the best stretch of his young career so far, the 29-year-old Banchero agreed.
“I think right now, yeah. This is the best I’ve felt during my career,” he said. “I’m very comfortable now. I’ve been with Alaska for quite some time now so it’s my job to produce. They put a lot into me and I’m glad that I’m playing well.
“All the guys are playing well too and they deserve as much credit as I do.”
