For Roi Sumang, fatherhood has changed his life so much.
Ever since he had his son Ezio, who’s now one year and two months old, the four-year pro has always felt inspired since.
“Sobrang motivate, everytime na gigising ako sabay kami,” he said.
“Nag-iba talaga buhay ko nung nagka-baby ako.”
Aris Dimaunahan, Blackwater’s interim head coach, surely knows a lot about being a father. So of course, he has dished out some advice to Sumang, including using his son as motivation.
“Lagi niya sinasabi sa’kin na sana maging motivated ako lalo na may baby na ako.
“Siya, lagi niya ako sinasabihan na ganun, mag-focus ka kasi ‘di ka na bata,” shared the 28-year-old.
And in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, Sumang has seemingly taken Dimaunahan’s advice to heart. He had averaged 8.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in the tilt’s first eight games.
Come the Elite’s game versus the Magnolia Hotshots, the UE product played his best game this conference.
Sumang finished with 19 points, including nine in the overtime period alone, along with six assists, three rebounds, an assist, and a block to lead his side to a big 104-99 victory.
For Sumang, one factor that pushed him had been his desire to provide boost, which he felt was lacking when they lost two games in a row in the hands of San Miguel Beer and NorthPort Batang Pier.
“Nung last two games, talagang walang nangyari kasi yun nga, walang import,” he said. “Sakin gusto ko lang execute kasi yun trabaho ko, yung shoot bonus na lang. Maganda lang siguro nilaro ko,” he expressed.
Still, he had Dimaunahan and his teammates to thank for for having such an excellent outing. “Gusto ko lang magpasalamat kay coach Aris pati sa mga teammates ko,” he continued.
“Sila talaga yung dahilan.”
