Joshua Munzon would be the first to admit that he could get demanding at times, now that he’s been taking the lead role for the upstart Titan Ultra.
But all that, the star winger clarified, is all part of his desire to squeeze the best out of his fellow Giant Risers in an attempt to steer their maiden PBA campaign on the right track, particularly in the ongoing Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.
“I’m just passionate,” he explained. “I just care. I just want to win. That’s it. That’s something I care about.
“Winning means a lot to me … that’s it.”
But aside from being vocal, leading by example is his utmost preference, and that’s what he did on Wednesday in their eventual 102-98 win over Blackwater.
There, the 31-year-old finished with 25 points on top of four rebounds and the same amount of assists as he spearheaded their strong finish to thwart their foes’ comeback attempt after being down by as many as 20 points.
(C) PBA Images
He actually scored 19 of his points in the second half, six of which he produced to power their crucial 8-2 run to widen their lead to 102-94 with 1:29 to go.
That included a booming four to cap off the rally, which doused cold water on the Bossing’s rally spearheaded by Sedrick Barefield and Robert Upshaw.
“He’s a professional,” lauded head coach Rensy Bajar, acknowledging the kind of leadership that the former top 3×3 player in the country is giving.
“He gave us this win tonight.”
Munzon has become the de facto face of the new team after Calvin Abueva got traded prior to the midseason tilt, taking on a role that was also handled by Arvin Tolentino when the franchise was still owned by and known as NorthPort.
From playing second fiddle to those former BPCs, last season’s Most Improved Player is now at the front and center of a squad seeking for relevancy in Asia’s pioneering pro league. And he’s fully embraced as much.
“Just trying to lead by example, trying to do the right things on offense and on defense,” he said.
“That’s my style of leadership, and sometimes I might come off aggressive. But it’s all basketball; a passionate player, that’s it.”
