GIVING HIS 150% ALWAYS
Missing the services of Jay Washington in their all-important game against Alaska, GlobalPort Ritchie Ticzon had to find someone who can at least match the intensity his star forward brings to the floor.
At the end of the game, he got more.
With the whole crowd looking at him, Kelly Nabong drained two pressure-packed free throws to ice the game for the Batang Pier, as they outlasted the Aces, 91-88, in overtime.
Nabong, a former D-League Mythical Team member, had his second double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds, but most importantly, gave his 150 percent in the 32 minutes he played on the floor.
“It’s a win-or-go home situation for us,” said Nabong. “We don’t want to depend on beating Ginebra in our game Friday. We want a shot at the top five, we want to beat Alaska and make the playoffs right now, then wait for our next game.”
Knowing that they are missing an important cog in their rotation, Nabong knows that he has big shoes to fill, and he is happy that he delivered in a big way.
“My mindset in the first quarter is to go hard, and just be consistent for the whole game. No let ups,” he said.
“Our win boosts my confidence. It’s a good team effort,” Nabong added. “It’s a stepping stone. We have to keep on building our confidence. We can’t let up, and we won’t stop until we get to the Finals.”
Coach Ticzon also praised Nabong for giving his all on the court, saying, “Kelly has been playing well.”
“It’s unfortunate to not have Jay, but it’s great that Kelly was able to step up and show his talent. He is really good and his passion for the game is really a big thing,” he added.
But for Nabong, he only has one rule of thumb whenever he steps on the court.
“I’m going to do everything for my team,” he said. “If they want me to rebound, I’ll do it. If they want me to take a shot, or play defense on somebody, I’ll take the defense. I’ll dive for the ball.”
“I’ll do everything I can, that’s what I’m all about – giving 150 percent in everything I do.” (RL)
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