There’s no denying that Gelo Vito hadn’t been utilized much during his five-year stay with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons. For many, he had always been perceived as a role player – nothing more, nothing less.
Thus, he’s making the most out of his stint with Wang’s Basketball Couriers in the 2019 PBA D-League.
He did as much on Tuesday, as Vito produced 19 points – spiked by three three-pointers – alongside seven rebounds in over 27 minutes. The Fighting Maroon led the Couriers to a 75-64 win over University of Perpetual Help System DALTA.
“I’m really happy I’m getting this opportunity,” expressed Vito.
“Nothing to take against UP pero I’m really glad that I’m given this opportunity na makalaro and to showcase my talent, lalo na I’m preparing for the PBA Draft.”
Even head coach Pablo Lucas likes the way Vito has been delivering the goods for Wang’s. Their win on Tuesday marked their second straight and their third overall to rise to 3-1 for a share of the Foundation Group’s second place.
“He can shoot sa three points, plus rebounding na halos ipagpalit niya ang mukha eh,” said Lucas of Vito, who’s currently averaging 11.7 points on 51-percent field goal shooting on top of 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.
But as much as he’s become a key factor in the Couriers’ run in the developmental league, Vito isn’t taking all the spotlight.
“I just wanna lead this team being appointed as the captain.
“I really have a responsibility to take charge and take over sa team na ‘to. But I wouldn’t take give the credit sa sarili ko. I also want to thank yung teammates ko,” Vito said. “Sila rin yung dahilan kung bakit maganda yung pinapakita namin dito, kasi for me talaga buo kami ngayon.”
But more than Wang’s growth and development into one cohesive unit as the developmental league’s season progresses, the stocky 6-foot-5 slotman said that it has been their approach to the game that’s been doing wonders.
“We’re just really enjoying the game,” he said. “Kung papansinin mo yung composition ng team namin, most of us come from Final Four teams, winning teams. For a team na ganun ang composition, it’s really hard to jel.
“Pero kami dito, we’re really enjoying, we’re really having fun playing together. We really hope na magtuloy-tuloy pa.’
