Self-control paying off for fitter Quinahan

If there was a silver lining for Rain or Shine after a miserable 114-103 loss to Tropang TNT Monday night, it’s that JR Quinahan continues to be his consistent self.

One of the few bright spots for Rain or Shine in the loss, Quinahan notched a career-high 25 points to go with 12 rebounds, shooting 4-for-8 from three-point area although the Elasto Painters succumbed to the defending conference champions.

The big man was quick to downplay his production, saying a win is more important whether he scores a good bunch of points or not.

“Sayang, akala ko tuloy-tuloy na pero nag-run din yung TNT. Napagod na rin (kami) tapos gumanda shooting ni (Jayson) Castro so nahirapan na rin kami makahabol. Dami rin naming turnovers,” Quinahan said.

“Wala yun, kailangan manalo kami. Kahit konti points mo, yung team (ang importante).”

Photo courtesy of PBA Images

Still, there is no denying another splendid performance from Quinahan, who is perhaps the best local player for Rain or Shine in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup so far.

Quinahan is averaging 14.9 points/game, the best among locals, and is shooting at an astounding 56.5 percent from the field overall and 52.9 percent from three-point range.

The big man attributes his consistent play to having more focus off the court, from doing extra work in practice to controlling his eating habits. He admitted that he changed his midnight snack from hamburgers to fresh fruits as one of the changes he has made.

Those little things are paying dividends for Quinahan, who says he feels stronger every game than before.

“Malaking tulong kasi magagawa mo yung gusto mong gawin at matagal bago ka mapagod. Tsaka every day, nag-e-extra work ako,” Quinahan, who also claimed he has lost over 20 pounds since the beginning of the season, shared.

With the Elasto Painters still trying to find their groove in the conference, having Quinahan perform at a high level surely helps.

“Gusto ko lang din magfocus talaga. Bago magstart ng All-Filipino last year, tuloy-tuloy talaga yun. Wala akong break. Nakakapagod din pero kailangan magtrabaho. Nasanay na rin ako na may ginagawa araw-araw,” he said.