Failing in his past two trips to the Philippine Cup Finals, Dondon Hontiveros is hoping for a change in fortunes when Alaska plays his former squad San Miguel Beer for the 2015 title.
“Ayokong pakawalan ‘to. Malaking bagay ‘tong All-Filipino, so hopefully, makuha ko na,” he said.
Hontiveros willed Alaska to the Finals with an electrifying fourth quarter in Game 6 of their semifinal clash with Rain or Shine, burying five treys to lift the Aces to a 79-76 victory.
And he’s crediting the Alaska conditioning staff for his rejuvenated game.
“Nung first namin nalaman na ganito yung tatakbuhin namin, parang mahirap yata. Naging mabait si coach Alex (Compton) sa amin ni Eric (Menk) na there will be days na magsisitout kami sa practice. We have to really take care of our bodies, take a rest, have good nutrition. Ang maganda lang, inaalagaan din talaga kami,” the 37-year-old said. “At my age, mahirap yata. Pero nakita naman namin na walang naglalaro ng lampas ng 30 minutes, so kung nasa loob ka, you just give your best. Kahit napapagod, napapalitan naman eh.”
That same conditioning staff helped Hontiveros in the semifinals, as he bucked a sprained ankle and woeful shooting to be the instrumental in the series clincher.
“Malaking bagay yung break kasi inalagaan ako ng staff. Nasprain ako sa practice sa semis, kaya sabi ko sana makatulong ako. Di ako iniwan ng mga staff namin. Inalagaan nila ako,” he said.
“I’m just excited for my teammates. Kung makuha namin, pinakamalaking gift ko na ‘to second to my son,” the Cebuano Hotshot said, with son Isaiah waiting by his side. (RL)
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