Keith Datu played under restricted minutes on Wednesday, yet there was no denying how much of a difference he could be when he’s on the floor.
In his second game back from a calf injury, the sophomore big man finished with 27 points and eight rebounds to help Rain or Shine take down Blackwater and, more importantly, get back on track in the PBA Season Philippine Cup.
“I was watching out for him if he can play the minutes that I gave him,” said head coach Yeng Guiao after their 120-106 win at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
“Binabantayan ko kung pagod na pagod na, so we managed his minutes. As well as he was playing, I wanted him to play a lot longer pero minanage ko pa rin ‘yung minutes niya bandang huli.”
Datu had already returned to the lineup when they faced Converge the last time out, finishing with 11 points and 10 rebounds, albeit in a losing effort.
But Guiao admitted that the 6-foot-8 bruiser wasn’t at full health at that time, as they practically rushed him back to fare better against a FiberXers side that’s been boasting a frontcourt featuring Justin Arana and Justine Baltazar.
“Medyo hinabol lang namin na mailaro siya kasi masyado malaki ‘yung Converge eh,” he said as the Elasto Painters bowed ton a 107-97 decision.
“Pero he was not really a hundred percent that time. So the few days of extra practice, extra workouts, and therapy I think did him well.”
No doubt that it did Datu well, so much so that he wound up with his new career-high in points — 10 points clear from his previous record.
“I was hoping to hit that three at the end of the game, get a 30-piece,” quipped the fourth overall pick of the 2023 PBA Rookie Draft with a grin.
Turning serious, Datu made it known that personal marks don’t mean much to him as he only wants to see Rain or Shine be as successful as it can.
“But I’m not too focused on the career-highs and stuff like that. I want my team to continue to win. I want us to be contenders,” said the former PBA 3×3 standout. “Just hopefully, continue to make a positive impact.”
He didn’t take all the spotlight to himself, too, tipping his hat to the rest of the Elasto Painters — especially to fellow big man Caelan Tiongson and how their presence together makes the crew even more solid upfront.
Back in action from back spasms, Tiongson finished with 14 points, three rebounds, and four assists as he and Datu were among the seven players that finished in double figures in the win, which is now their third this conference.
“It definitely helps when Caelan and I are helping as far as size,” he offered. “Last two games we’ve been out-sized so tonight, to have me and Caelan back out there doing the dirty work, grabbing some extra rebounds.
“You know our team is full of guards so it’s nice to show them that we’re very capable of playing the inside game as well.”
