Days after the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Joe Devance declared that he is about to “hit” Jared Dillinger come the 2017 Governor’s Cup Finals, the Meralco Bolts forward promised that he, too, will do the same to his fellow Fil-American.
“I’m sure he’s going to hit me a couple times in the game and I’m gonna hit him back so y’all better believe that it’s going to be war,” said Dillinger on Tuesday at the Finals press conference at Sambokojin in Eastwood, Quezon City.
“Do I like Joe? No, I don’t. But you know, we try to keep it classy as much as we can.”
Of course, the two close friends are doing this just to entertain.
But the nine-year veteran became serious afterwards, as the Orangemen have a score to settle with the Gin Kings after what transpired in last year”s championship match, which they lost.
“I know It’s all fun and games and we’re all laughing, but in the heat of the moment, in the game, when money is on the line, legacies on the line, championship on the line, it’s going to be that,” claimed the 33-year-old, who is averaging 10.38 points, 3.38 rebounds, and 1.75 assists this conference.
“There’s going to be a lot of blood out there, I promise you. It’s going to be a great series.”
Dillinger was reduced to a spectator in last year’s Finals due to a hamstring injury. It was tough, but now that he has fully healed, he is more than eager to help the Bolts get back on the defending champs.
“Just the way they beat us and I couldn’t be there to help the team, it was really tough on me. It’s just so surreal right now,” said the versatile guard-forward, “I can’t wait to just take it to those guys, like, that’s all I think about.
“[I’m] just anxious for this thing to start already.”
