Willie Wilson’s pre-game routine has not changed that much throughout his 12-year career, and he has made it a habit to be ready all the time — whether he’s asked to play a big role or just create impact in limited stretches.
Wilson is getting an opportunity to lead again with Barako Bull, and in the big minutes that he is playing, he constantly makes sure no second gets wasted.
“One time or another, a player has been ‘the man’ for their team. They’ve been that man and be a playmaker offensively. I am just getting that opportunity again,” Wilson said Thursday after Barako Bull defeated TNT in overtime, 105-98.
Wilson notched 28 points and 20 rebounds, both career-highs. In the season, Wilson is averaging 14.7 PPG and 11.9 RPG in 35.7 minutes/game, almost 15 more minutes a game higher his last season’s average.
The forward said under head coach Koy Banal, he is enjoying the luxury to play a little more loose, and his aggressiveness is translating into success for the Energy.
“I feel every player in the PBA is capable of doing those things as long as they are given an opportunity. Not necessarily given the greenlight but you want to put guys in a position to be successful,” Wilson shared, adding Banal constantly advises him to seize the moment.
“Just play your game, be unselfish, and when you have the opportunity to do something offensively, do it. He gives us directions and when on the court, it’s up to us to read the situations. We know where we are capable of scoring.”
“I am looking at getting inside, getting easy baskets, getting rebounds.”
Wilson leads Barako in free throws and is the team’s no. 2 scorer. The win over TNT helped the Energy create a three-way logjam from 6th to 8th in the team standings.
With the team looking to secure one of four twice to beat incentives in the playoffs, Wilson is expected to play the same way every night, and he is trying his best to be ready for the challenge.
“I prepare myself well. I stay in shape every season,” he said.
