Many were thinking that Kelly Nabong was out there to exact revenge to his former team Meralco Bolts on Sunday evening, when he and the GlobalPort Batang Pier faced the Orangemen at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The 29-year-old’s numbers would make people think that he was hard-pressed to get back at the Bolts, as he produced 17 points, 17 rebounds, and three blocks that ultimately led to a 107-88 destruction.
But Nabong clarified that he had no intentions of revenge.
“It was just like any other game,” said the hefty cager, who had been released by the Bolts after last season following his spat with former assistant coach Jimmy Alapag back in October 2017.
“It [just] feels good to win against them.
“I mean, there’s always motivation playing against your former teammates, former coach. But you know, I’m with Globalport now and we’re really glad we got this win,” added the six-year pro.
Nabong also made it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and his former teammates and coaches.
“Ay sus,” quipped Nabong, drawing a bit of chuckle from the scribes surrounding him. “I talk to all the players. I have no problems with the players, they’re all great guys over there, we still talk to this day.”
The 6-foot-6 bruiser has been playing consistently for the Batang Pier this 2017-18 Philippine Cup, as he is averaging 13.5 points and 11.3 rebounds so far. And no one could be more proud of him than GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio.
“He’s really motivated dito sa season na ‘to,” he said. “Mula noong kinuha namin siya, ‘yung full potential niya, lumabas na. Nag-improve siya sa shooting niya, nag-improve siya.
“Nag-mature siya after ng incident sa Meralco.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, past is past, look to the future, kung ano ka. And then, sabi ko, ‘Kelly, you’re one of the best big men na.’ Puwede nang masabing ganoon kasi dominating ka, double-double lagi in points and rebounds,” added Jarencio.
With that, Nabong couldn’t be more grateful by having Jarencio by his side.
“I just want to say thank you to coach Pido, he’s always giving us players confindence with what we do and how we do it,” shared Nabong, who also played for Globalport from 2013-15.
“We have a great coach, great management, and you know, they let us play basketball.”
