SMALL GUY, BIG GAME
The smallest guy on the floor made the biggest plays for Barangay Ginebra in their much awaited Manila Clasico duel against Purefoods Star.
Emman Monfort came up big for the crowd favorites, tallying nine points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals in Ginebra’s 96-87 victory over the Hotshots.
“I’m just helping my team win. Gusto ko lang manalo and show the never say die. We needed that win so I just thank God for that opportunity,” he said.
With his minutes taking a hit in a loaded Ginebra guard rotation, Monfort admitted that he just bid his time and pounced when the opportunity presented itself, and that came in this game against the Hotshots where he was named as a starter.
He said, “I’m just being patient, waiting for that opportunity, working hard sa practice. Darating din sa ‘yo yun eh. Sometimes, when you don’t play, test lang ng Diyos yun sa yo. You just wait for your time.”
The diminutive playmaker also added that his magnificent outing is just his payment for the confidence given to him by his coaches, as he finally had a good showing in his third crack as a member of the first five.
“I just want to repay the trust coach gave me. Yung mga teammates ko, I’m just happy that I helped get the win,” he said. “If we win, we win together. If we lose, we lose together. This is one family, Ginebra family.”
And he’s quite satisfied that slowly, the Kings are showing a glimpse of what their deadly running game can do, as they are also learning to capitalize on their advantage in size.
“Malaking advantage sa amin na malalaki kami kaya nakakalibre din ang mga shooters. We’re just using that to our advantage,” Monfort said, as Ginebra improved to 3-3. “We’re just helping each other to win.” (RL)
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