Just last year, Josh Urbiztondo and the Singapore Slingers were swept by the Marcus Elliott and Tyler Lamb-led Hong Kong Eastern in the Finals, marking the very first time that a non-ASEAN member became a champion in the regional pro league.
“When I was in Singapore, we lost in the Finals last year,” recalled Urbiztondo, who averaged 11.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in eight games with the Slingers a year ago.
That is why the former PBA pro felt some sense of payback last Sunday, when he was able to avenge last season’s loss as he and Alab swept Hong Kong in the best-of-three semifinal series to book a return trip to the championship round.
And how ironic it is that he was able to get back at Hong Kong Eastern with San Miguel Alab Pilipinas — the same team whom he had defeated in last season’s semifinals that made him a villain to some Filipino ABL fans.
“I’m fortunate to be here again,” shared the 35-year-old gunner, who posted norms of 8.95 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists this season. “You’re not always going to be in the Finals. It’s really hard to be in a situation to be in the Finals. Hopefully, bumawi ako. First time for Alab to be here.
“It’s just a blessing. We’re just so fortunate. And hopefully, there could be redemption and we could win this championship together.”
It has been told many times, but Alab had an unbelievable route to the Finals — nobody ever thought that they would be vying for the championship in the end owing to the disgraceful 0-3 start they had this season.
That is why Urbiztondo couldn’t be prouder of Alab especially with head coach Jimmy Alapag, whom he fought a lot of times before — Urbiztondo and B-Meg beat Alapag’s Talk ‘N’ Text in the 2012 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“I’m so proud of coach Jimmy,” said the 6-foot combo guard. “He’s done a great job with us from the beginning and the first time the franchise has been there, with Alab and San Miguel coming on board, it’s just a blessing and it’s humbling.
“I’m happy for the guys, the young guys that came, the guys that have been here. It’s the first Finals for a lot of these guys.”
Alab will now face Mono Vampire BC of Thailand in the title series. The Finals will commence this Sunday, April 22, in Laguna, and Urbiztondo hopes he’ll be able to play without any limits as he is still nursing a hamstring injury.
“A torn hamstring is very tricky,” the Filipino-American bared. “You feel like you can come back. I have a great trainer with Chappy Callanta and he’s been working with me but it’s tricky. Sometimes it comes back and it feels great.
“I want to be ready come the Finals.”
