SEIZING THE CHANCE TO SHINE
It’s quite unfortunate, really, that a career game from rookie Brian Heruela wasn’t enough to tow Blackwater to the new franchise’s first-ever victory in the PBA.
But the heady guard from University of Cebu understands that all of these are just growing pains in the Elite’s initial conference in the pro league.
“We’re a work in progress and hopefully in the next conference, we get to get better and better,” he said.
Heruela shone with a career-high 19 points but Blackwater absorbed its ninth straight setback. But despite the hardships and losses, the 25-year-old knows that in due time, they will finally nab that elusive W.
“For me, I’m just working hard, doing what my coach wants me to do and just keep working,” he said.
Blackwater’s path is very reminiscent of those of Heruela’s, as he stayed for a couple of weeks in the D-League with Jumbo Plastic before finally getting called up and strutting his stuff in the pros.
“I just feel like the D-League was a preparation for myself for the PBA,” he said. “I just stayed ready, mentally and physically, and now that today that I got a chance to play, I tried to get the most from it.”
And as their elimination schedule nears its end, Heruela is just hoping that in their next two games, they can still pull off an upset or two and finish their conference on a bright note.
“Our last two games, it’s really important for us because we need to leave on a good note. We’re looking to win those last two games and hopefully, our hard work will net us good results.” (RL)
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