Kevin Ferrer played like a man possessed during Chooks Gilas Pilipinas’ stunning 122-111 victory over the PBA Luzon All-Stars Friday night.
During the exhibition contest, the more-experienced Luzon All-Stars held a 17-point edge against the young Gilas squad during the third frame. But behind Gilas young guns Ferrer, Carl Cruz, Norbert Torres, Jonathan Grey, and Mike Tolomia, Gilas was able to turn it around in the final frame, closing the game with a 17-0 run.
And it was Ferrer who helped instigate the run, scoring all eight of his points in the final frame — including two back-breaking triples.
“Gusto ko lang manalo talaga. Kung hindi ko tinira yun, isip ko wala ng chance. Nakita ko open ako nun,” the 24-year-old shared after the game.
His celebration was short-lived, though, as right after the game, he was notified that he will not be part of the 2017 SEABA Championship team.
Upon hearing that, it softened the blow for the University of Santo Tomas great and it motivated him to work harder.
“Sobrang saya pa rin kasi na-include ako sa mga pinagpipilian niya,” the 6-foot-5 forward said. “Respeto ko na lang sa desisyon ni coach pero sabi naman niya may plano pa siya para sa amin.
“Na-realize ko pa na may kulang pa ko. Yun yung pag-prapraktisan ko pa yung mga kulang ko.”
With this added fuel, Ferrer can’t wait to get back with the pool come June as Gilas will prepare for both the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup and the 2017 Southeast Asian Games.
“Dun ako nabigyan ng pag-asa,” he admitted.
“Nalaman ko na may plano pa siya sa akin at sa aming lahat. Hindi naman yun Final 12 talaga, pang SEABA pa lang ito.”
But for now, the Ginebra rookie wants to focus with Ginebra, as they are set to lose Japeth Aguilar for the next month.
“Mag-fo-focus muna ko sa Ginebra, lalong lalo na wala si Japeth sa amin,” he stated.
