BPC DERBY: ABUEVA EYES HISTORY, SANTOS HOPEFUL
Arwind Santos is hoping he could still win the Best Player of the Conference plum even with Petron Blaze already out of the running for the Philippine Cup championship.
Sol Mercado, the league leader in points and assists, said he’s more concerned with leading his team to victory than winning the top conference individual award. The same is true for Talk N Text teammates Jayson Castro and Kelly Williams.
Calvin Abueva, the only rookie in the top five in statistics, has a chance to become the first newcomer to achieve the feat since Danny Seigle in 1999, but that depends on how well he can perform in the coming series against the Tropang Texters.
The race for the BPC award gets more interesting going into the semifinal round, but eyes are now focused on the hardworking Alaska rookie.
“I think it would motivate him more in trying to lead our team in the coming series against Talk N Text,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.
“As a coach, I would definitely tell him that and continue to encourage him. I wish he wins the award. Right now, I’m already proud of him.”
Santos was leading the race entering the playoffs, averaging 35.9 statistical points – 3.2 points ahead of closest pursuer Abueva.
But with Petron Blaze and Meralco already eliminated, the race has become a tossup.
“Kapag nanalo ka ng BPC, ibig sabihin noon kinikilala nila yung pinaghirapan mo,” said Santos. “Bilang isa sa mga leaders ng team, mas irerespeto ako ng teammates ko kapag nakuha ko itong award.”
Santos is currently one of the three captains at the Petron Blaze camp, with Alex Cabagnot and Jay Washington the other two.
Mercado, who is running fourth in the derby, said the award comes in second to his priority.
“Honestly I’m motivated in just helping my team get to the next level. If the individual awards come due to that then great,” posted Mercado on his Twitter account.
Castro and Wiliams said it’s always been a culture in Talk N Text to think team first than individual goals.
“Right now, focused kami sa semis and hopefully, we get to the championship round,” said Castro.
“We’re playing on a team that is used to winning, so individual goals are being set aside. If it happens, then it’s just a bonus,” added Williams. (RJ)
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