Banal happy for former player Carlo Lastimosa’s breakout season

Blackwater guard Carlo Lastimosa obliterated his former team Barako Bull with a career-high 38 points. PBA IMAGES
Barako Bull coach Koy Banal was left in awe by his former player Carlo Lastimosa following his career game in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup Friday night.
The Blackwater guard torched the Energy for 38 points including a 5-of-8 shooting from 3-point range in the Elite’s 116-92 rout that kept them alive for a berth in the quarterfinals phase.
Lastimosa was extra hot in the fourth period when he fired 17 points, spiked by a barrage of 3-pointers late in the game that led Blackwater to only its second win in nine outings.
Banal was so amazed with the former College of St. Benilde star’s showing that he couldn’t help but ask Lastimosa one question when the two got a chance to have a brief chat during a deadball situation.
“Sabi ko [sa kanya] ‘ano ba ang kinain mo,’” said Banal with a laugh as he recalled the short conversation he had with Lastimosa.
But on a serious note, Banal stressed he’s happy for Lastimosa, who was let go by Barako Bull in the off season in a trade with Blackwater for Brian Heruela.
Banal said the long playing time he’s getting with the Elite has allowed Lastimosa to blossom and show his true potential, something which he never had the chance when he came off the bench for Barako.
“I’m happy for him. In fact, I’m happy for both Carlo and coach Bong,” said Banal, referring to former assistant Bong Ramos, who also now with Blackwater.
“Blackwater really played well, but as I’ve said this team is very dangerous.”
The career-high by the nephew of former PBA great Jojo Lastimosa reset his previous mark of 32 points he scored last Nov. 29 in a 120-105 loss to GlobalPort.
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