After surviving a war that was Game Two of the semifinals series pitting the San Miguel Beermen against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, five-time champion coach Leo Austria tipped his hat to his opponents. And Prince Caperal received the highest of praises.
“I have to give credit to Ginebra, especially the coaching staff. There’s a big adjustment on their game, especially using players na seldom-used,” a relieved Austria said after they were able to take a 104-102 overtime win, Sunday evening, to take a 2-0 series lead.
“I respect that player which is Caperal. I think a new star is born for Ginebra.”
For two games, Caperal has been the revelation for Ginebra.
After playing 11 solid minutes in Game One, the 6-foot-6 slotman was rewarded with his first-ever start for Ginebra two days later. The fourth-year pro did not disappoint, as he paced Ginebra in the first half, scoring 17 of his career-high 26 points during the first 24 minutes of the contest, to give his side a double-digit lead entering by halftime.
“Lagi lang talagang ready kasi nga wala si Greg [Slaughter], so kailangan namin mag-step up. Ginawa lang namin trabaho namin, and nataon na pumapasok mga shots ko,” recalled Caperal, who was picked out of the free agency pool by Ginebra last February 1.
“So, tuloy-tuloy lang, at yun kinalabasan.”
However, his career-game did not end up the way he wanted, as Ginebra fell anew to San Miguel. Still, the former Arellano Chief is sticking to the silver linings of the game, knowing that they can carry it to Game Three.
“Masaya kasi kahit papano nakatulong ako sa team. Although natalo kami, at least may chance sa team like [against] San Miguel na manalo kami.
“Kumbaga chance na rin ‘to para sa’kin dahil wala si Greg. Feeling ko talagang kailangang magpakita ako,” he furthered.
Moreover, Caperal, who has played with three teams prior, feels that he owes the Ginebra faithful an encore as they’d cheered him on all throughout the contest.
“I mean, ibang klase ang fans ng Ginebra, talagang totoo nga yung sinasabi nila na sixth man ng team yung crowd. Talagang kahit pagod ka na, talagang ma-booboost yung energy mo. Ako pagod ako kanina, bantay ko si June Mar [Fajardo], iba pa rin yung sa Ginebra,” Caperal shared.
“Talagang malaking bagay yung exposure para din sa career ko. Sana magtuloy tuloy nga.”
And if he continues this, he may have found a home in Ginebra.
