ALABI’S SIMPLE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS
Barako Bull is really shaping up to be the biggest surprise in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
And one very big reason is the 7-foot-1 Solomon Alabi.
With Barako Bull and Alaska figuring in a nip-and-tuck affair that went into overtime Tuesday, it was the towering Alabi who drove the dagger into the hearts of Alaska fans as he scored on a putback with 2.5 seconds left in the clock.
That would prove to be the marginal basket as Dondon Hontiveros failed to hit a potential game-winning three at the buzzer, handing the Energy the win, 93-91.
“It was a tough one. It went in and we got the win,” Alabi said, recalling he had to go through the stingy defense of Alaska counterpart Damion James just to get the ball through the hoop.
That allowed Barako Bull to stop its slide to improve to 4-2, good for third spot in the company of Rain or Shine.
“It feels good. Our teammates, they work hard and we’re always ready to play. We play hard as a team, that’s why we won,” Alabi said.
Not given much of a chance by most quarters, Alabi stressed that as ragtag as the team might seem on paper, they are working as a cohesive unit on the floor, and this results in wins for the team.
“I think the recipe is just communication,” Alabi said. “Coach has a gameplan and all the guys have worked together and sticked with the gameplan. We go to the gym every day, we work hard, and we believe in each other. It’s that simple.” (RL)
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