BALANGA – When Jonas Villanueva took over a then-dysfunctional Bataan squad, the team’s core had already departed, leaving the rookie tactician with only a handful of players in his arsenal.
Though he was able to get players from different transactions and eventually steer them to the playoffs, Villanueva knew that he needed one more piece to boost the Risers’ chances of going in deep in the post-season wars.
And the two-time PBA champion did not need to look far for help.
“We’ve been preparing Gary [David] since two months ago ata, pero we didn’t wanna rush him also. And also we were winning so tina-try namin siya i-break in slowly,” said Villanueva.
“He’s always been part of the plan, ever since when I took over. Parang ano naman siya… ano na namin ‘yun, plan to make him play again kasi he’s very well-known sa Bataan. And also ‘yung leadership niya, ‘yung veteran presence niya, it’s a big boost lalo na sa playoffs.”
Playing in their last home game in the elimination round against Marikina, David — who is a part of Bataan-Camaya Coast’s coaching staff — checked into the game at the 6:18 mark of the second quarter, to the delight of the home fans.
David last played in Bataan’s 51-56 Game Three loss against Manila in the division semifinals of the MPBL Datu Cup.
Though missing his first three-point attempt and picking up a foul on the other end, Bataan’s prodigal son shrugged off the rust. He drained his next four shots for 11 points, all in just four minutes of play.
The four-time PBA scoring champion went on to finish the game with 16 points on a 5-of-9 shooting clip. He also drained four treys in the match along two freebies to lead Bataan’s 82-76 victory over Marikina.
“Siyempre happy, kasi talagang pinaghandaan ko ‘to na plano talaga namin maglaro ako first game dito sa hometown ko sa Bataan. Tinadhana talaga na dito ‘yung first game ko this season, this year 2020,” said the pride Dinalupihan, Bataan.
Though he admitted that he’s still far from his usual shape, David believes that he can work it up in time to help his hometown in the playoffs.
“Ready lang. Ready lang talaga ako every time na magkaroon ng oras o gamitin. Ang mindset ko lang is makatulong — makatulong sa team, sa panalo — at ito nagawa ko,” said the 41-year-old David, who is considered as one of the most accomplished players to ever set foot in the MPBL.
“Wala pa ako sa hundred-percent condition. Medyo inaalalayan ko pa, pero hopefully pagdating sa playoffs ready na ako.”
In other games, Pampanga locked up the fourth seed in the North with a 71-62 victory over Pasig-Sta. Lucia. Meanwhile, Cebu-Casino Ethyl Alcohol kept its slim playoff chance burning after a 79-70 win against Paranaque-Yabo Sports.
Story by Jonash Dannug
Photo by Thel Suliva
