Now in his eighth year in the PBA, Mark Borboran is finally flourishing
Mark Borboran is best remembered for his time with the University of the East Red Warriors almost a decade ago. He was a vital cog in the Red Warriors line-up that rampaged through the elimination round back in the 70th season of the UAAP, going 14-0 before dropping the Finals to the De La Salle University Green Archers.
However, the 32-year-old mightily struggled to make a name in the professional ranks. Now in his fifth franchise in eight years, he has found a niche in Ariel Vanguardia’s system.
He is currently averaging career-highs across the board, helping the Fuel Masters to a 4-3 slate. Moreover, he has stepped up when needed, as veteran big man Willie Wilson has been nursing an injury for the last three games. During that stretch, he has been averaging 19.33 points on an efficient 68.76 percent shooting to go along with 7.33 rebounds and 2.0 steals.
Now a veteran in the league, Borboran has already learned the ins and outs of the league and has accepted the role as one of the leaders of the young team.
“Sa akin lang, bilang isang beterano sa team, kailangan ready ako na mag-contribute,” shared Borboran, who hails from Malinao, Albay. “Tapos yun nga wala pa si Willie, ayun tulungan lang.”
His impact on the Fuel Masters was emphasized during Phoenix’s stunning win over Globalport Wednesday evening. Down by as much as 26 points with seven minutes left, Borboran carried the the Fuel Masters on his shoulders, scoring 10 straight points to give life to Phoenix.
“Total team effort talaga yun,” remarked Borboran.
“Yung fourth quarter namin nag-stick lang kami sa game plan tapos one stop at a time then execution ng opensa.”
Getting ball rolling, the Fuel Masters were able to gain a three-point edge with 33 ticks remaining only to give-up three free throws to Terrence Romeo to knot things up at 99-all.
But Borboran was not to be denied.
A miss by Simon Enciso from downtown was tipped in by Borboran with 2.4 seconds remaining. A defensive stop on the other end then sealed the greatest fourth-quarter comeback the PBA has seen in a decade. And it was all because of the heart displayed by Borboran.
“Yung tira ni Simon, ready lang ako to rebound at i-putback yung tira niya. Ayun na-convert ko naman,” reflected Borboran, who finished the game with a career-high 23 points.
“Ready lang talaga ako kasi yung mga teammates ko naman yung nagke-create para malibre ako. Kino-convert ko lang yung mga pasa nila. Basta lagi lang akong ready, consistent lagi.”
The eight-year veteran is hoping that he and the Fuel Masters can sustain the momentum they have, as the Philippine Cup is winding down to its last four games in the elimination round.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy yung magandang laro. Basta andun ako sa team to do my best,” he vowed.
Video by Sports5
