PUERTO PRINCESA – Rey Guevarra has just joined the company of Vergel Meneses and KG Canaleta as among the elite dunkers who have won back-to-back slam dunk titles.
The Meralco Bolts swingman did just that on Friday when he won the title against a game Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
This time, Guevarra didn’t have to share it with anyone as he stamped his class among the elites.
“Talagang ni-reserve ko yun for the finals, pero I was having apprehensions kasi hidni pa ako 100-percent talaga,” said Guevarra.
Guevarra is coming off a hamstring injury, but saved his best for last.
He did a Kobe Bryant-inspired between-the-legs dunk that drew a perfect score form the judges en route to winning the crown.
“Idol ko si Kobe. When Japeth executed his dunk, I was thinking kung kailangan ko na bang gawin yung between the legs dunk,” he added.
Guevarra’s in between the legs dunk wasn’t the only dunk that drew attraction. His statue of liberty coming off a 180-degree
turn was also executed to perfection as well as his connivance with Reynel Hugnatan, who was seated and tossed the ball high before Guevarra caught it in mid-air for a slam.
For the Meralco swingman, joining the company of Meneses and Canaleta is something to be proud of.
“Syempre, proud ako na nakasama ko sila doon sa list. You can expect me to participate again,” added Guevarra.
Canaleta, a five-time slam dunk champion, believes Guevarra is capable of winning more titles.
“Yung kaibahan kasi ng pagda-dunk ni Rey, hindi lang siya basta taas ng talon. Parang eroplano yung porma niya sa ere, pataas yung dunk hindi derecho lang kaya maganda tingnan. Atsaka maganda yung timing niya, kasi may mga ibang dunkers na mahirap yung gustong gawin. Siya, kalkulado lang,” added Canaleta.
Photo by Nuki Sabio
