COACHES’ TRUST GIVES BARACAEL’S CONFIDENCE NEEDED BOOST
In their past two games, Japeth Aguilar topscored for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and provided the endgame heroics.
But if you ask coach Ato Agustin, Mac Baracael deserves a lot of praise too.
“He has played big for our team in our past games,” Agustin said of his forward.
The former FEU stalwart delivered in crunch time against Talk ‘N Text, scoring all of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, and hit pretty big shots in their last game versus Barako Bull to finish with 15 markers.
But for Baracael, it’s just picking up the slack for his sidelined teammates.
“Last game kasi may sakit yung mga superstars namin kaya nag-step up lang ako,” he said, referring to Mark Caguioa and LA Tenorio who were saddled with flu in their past two games but still played.
“Sabi ko nga, ngayon na nabigyan ako ng opportunity, kailangan ko na i-maintain yung consistency ko sa game ko,” Baracael said.
Baracael’s confidence can be seen on the court, as he feels that every shot he takes will go in. But he says this can be attributed to the trust his coaches are giving him.
“Kumpyansa lang ako na kapag ginamit ako ni coach, ready ako to take responsibility,” he said.
“Ang kagandahan sa team namin ngayon, di kami nag-iisip ng kanya-kanya. Kung sino ang nasa loob, sinusuportahan namin ang isa’t isa. Maganda yung practice namin kaya nadadala namin sa game,” Baracael said.
“Focus lang.” (RLeongson)
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