The last time PJ Simon finished with at least 20 points was back in September of 2016, scoring 20 points in a loss against the TNT Katropa.
But in the Star Hotshots’ Governors’ Cup opener against the Blackwater Elite, the 37-year old had a hop in his step, admitting that he has finally embraced the system of first year head coach Chito Victolero.
“It’s been awhile yung ganun, na-excite na ako sa laro, nadala ako sa laro at na-adapt ko na yung defensive style ni coach.
“Yun kasi ang style niya — para makalaro ka kailangan dumepensa. Kaya kahit na may edad na tayo kailangan natin dumepensa para makalaro tayo ng mahaba,” shared the 13-year veteran.
And the man dubbed as the Scoring Apostle gave a vintage performance, scoring eight of his team-high 20 points in a game-breaking 17-2 rally that gave Star a 99-79 lead with 3:30 seconds left.
“Matagal na talaga, hindi ko na alam kung kailan yung huli. Two years ago na ata?
“Nag-usap nga kami ni coach Johnny [Abarrientos] kanina na ready lang dapat ako sa mga game na mga ganito, kasi may mga games na magmamatch-up si coach at ma-extend yung minutes ko,” furthered Simon, who shot 8-for-10 from the field.
Even with this outing, Simon knows that his minutes would no longer reach as high as it did a year ago. Knowing this, he just wants to continue to help Star in whatever way he can, including help develop the team’s young guns.
“Accepted na yung ganitong role. As veterans, wala na kaming problema. If ever, nakikita niyo ako na sometimes naglalaro ako at sometimes hindi diba?” the native of Makilala, Cotabato expressed.
“Ako na mismo nagsasabi na one page lang kami, ang goal lang namin is makaabot kami sa championship. Kahit ma-set aside ako sometimes, walang problema yun. “
