There is no denying how big a factor Bong Quinto plays, with Meralco now headed for the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Finals — its third Finals appearance in four years.
The 25-year-old rookie produced 19 points on a perfect 3-of-3 clip from beyond the arc to help the Bolts run past KJ McDaniels and the TNT KaTropa, 89-78, in Game Five of their semis series.
Quinto started the fire that burned the opposition down. He scored six straight points to open the final frame, sparking a 14-3 blitz that lifted Meralco to an 80-64 lead with 6:35 left to play.
“Bong Quinto has been a revelation,” lauded coach Norman Black of Quinto, whom the Bolts drafted in the second round of last year’s draft after being projected as a first-rounder.
“I’ve learned over the years that if you could get players who are versatile and can do more than one thing and play more than one position, they probably can help you win games,” he continued.
“Bong Quinto is a good defender, he’s a good shooter, he’s a good assist guy, and he’s really contributed a lot to the team. And if you have an All-Rookie team I think he should be on it.”
Upon learning what Black said, Quinto gushed, then expressed gratitude for the opportunity he has been given.
“Sobrang nakakatuwa na sa kanya manggaling yung ganun,” shared the 6-foot-1 forward. “Malaking opportunity talaga ‘yung pintuan na binuksan niya para sa ‘kin kasi sobrang down talaga ako nung time na ‘yun… Kasi parang tinanong ko ‘yung sarili ko ano pa ‘yung kulang, ganyan.
“Pero ‘yung trust talaga na… Ang daming nangyari sa team, ‘di ba? Maraming players ‘yung nawala, maraming players na parang sila nagbukas ng pinto para makapasok at makapag-perform ako.”
This Finals trip is the first for Quinto in the pro ranks, and he played a major factor in getting his team there. And for him, whatever he has done to get to this point, he owes everything to Letran, his Alma Mater.
“Gaya nga ng sabi ni coach Norman, champion Letran so dapat mag-champion din kami ngayon,” he said as the Knights clinched the NCAA Season 95 championship last month.
“Lahat ‘to, sobrang thankful ako sa Letran kasi sa kanila nag-umpisa yung journey ng career ko. Sila ‘yung nagbigay ng opportunity sa ‘kin para makarating ako sa pangarap ko rito sa PBA.
“Sobrang laking bagay siya, ‘yung experience ko na nadala ko ‘yung pagiging fighter ko,” he added.
