SMART CLARK GIGA CITY — Much has been said about Magnolia’s guards and its versatile bigs, but Rafi Reavis has again been proving his value for the squad in the 2020 PBA Philippine Cup.
The Hotshots played back-to-back games on Wednesday and Thursday, but the lanky 6-foot-8 slotman hardly showed signs of fatigue despite the long minutes he logged in both wins.
And he’s doing this at 43.
In their 102-92 conquest of league leaders TNT Tropang Giga on Wednesday, Reavis played for a total of 29 minutes and 44 seconds. He still finished with six points, four rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block.
Thn thee next day, versus Terrafirma, the 20-year pro saw action for 26 minutes and 34 seconds. He collected five boards and two points as the Hotshots ripped the Dyip with a 103-89 decision for their third straight win.
At present, Reavis is averaging 4.8 points and 5.4 rebounds in 27.11 minutes. His best game so far came in a loss to Phoenix Super LPG last Oct. 23, where he had 12 markers and 10 caroms.
Magnolia head coach Chito Victolero feels proud of the character and discipline possessed by Reavis, whom he shared the 2000 and 2001 national titles with in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association — as teammates.
“Grabe ‘yung character tsaka dsicipline ni Rafi eh.
“Alam ko ‘yan because before we were teammates sa San Juan Knights and makikita mo naman ‘yung nilalaro niya ngayon, high level,” he lauded.
The 2018 Coach of the Year said that Reavis is among the Hotshots’ leaders this season aside from Paul Lee, since veteran Marc Pingris is out of the bubble. And it makes him happy to see Reavis fulfill that role.
“He is my anchor on defense, especially ‘yung leadership niya. ‘Yun ‘yung pinaka-importante sa’kin because [we’re] without Ping. And right now si Paul and Rafi ‘yung pinaka-leader namin,” he said.
“‘Yun ‘yun eh. Ang laking influence ni Rafi sa team namin, and I’m very happy kasi nagagawa niya yung role niya — not only on the court but also outside the court.”
