THREE-POINT CHAMP SHOOTS FOR DREAM FOUR-PEAT
DAVAO – Already a record-holder with three straight Three-Point Shootout championships, Barako Bull gunner Mark Macapagal is not backing down from the challenge, saying “a good night sleep” can give him a shot at a dream four-peat.
“Isang magandang tulog at magandang gising, eh baka makuha pa rin,” said Mapacagal although he foresees tough competition among a stellar field that’s competing in one of the much-awaited skills events in the PBA All-Star Extravaganza.
The skills events will be played Friday, ushering in the centerpiece All-Star Game Sunday at the Davao del Sur Coliseum.
“Puro magagaling ang kasali. Ang problema pa nito, matagal akong di nakakahawak ng bola dahil matagal na kaming pahinga,” Macapagal also said.
As the reigning champ, he’s hoping to be listed as the last player to shoot.
“Binago nila ang format last time sa Laoag. Sana ibalik sa dati wherein the champion shoots last. Mas maliit ang pressure paghuli ka, kasi alam mo ang hahabulin mo to make the finals,” he explained.
But the former San Sebastian Stag lived through the pressure in Laoag last year and overcame the tough fight of the opposition to become the first three-peat winner of the event.
For the record, Allan Caidic, Jasper Ocampo and Boyet Fernandez ruled the event twice during their times.
Macapagal tries to stretch his reign against an elite field including all his semifinal rivals in Laoag.
KG Canaleta, Josh Urbiztondo and Marcio Lassiter, the three other semifinalists last year, are back to challenge Macapagal.
Others in the roster are two-time PBA season MVP winners James Yap and Willie Miller, sophomore standout Jayvee Casio and rookie hotshot Chris Tiu.
Tiu is a dark horse, being a former two-time winner in the three-point shootout in the collegiate all-stars.
“Wala rin akong practice, kasi pahinga na ang team namin simula noong ma-eliminate kami (in the Commissioner’s Cup,” said Tiu.
“Ang sigurado, ii-enjoy ko ang competition. Kung sino ang maganda ang feel at makakuha ng rhythm yun ang mananalo,” added Tiu. (SB)
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