Brandon Bates was definitely one of the biggest revelations for Meralco in its semis victory over bitter rival Ginebra, especially how he held his ground against the premier big men of the opposing team in Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar.

The 6-foot-8 rookie stepped up big and had a Game 7 to remember to help the Bolts barge into the PBA Philippine Cup Finals. 

Bates particularly shone brightest on the defensive end by swatting away six blocked shots – the most by any player this conference – on top of his six points and 13 rebounds. 

He also put a body on Standhardinger, whom he held to just 16 points and eight rebounds, while also altering the shots of the other Kings trying to attack the basket.

With praises pouring on Bates after the masterful defensive stand, the 27-year-old big man was just happy to finally prove his worth after being selected eighth overall by the Bolts.

“I just want to prove them right. I wanted to prove that they took the correct gamble drafting me so high,” said Bates as he embraced his role as Meralco’s backup defensive big man.

“I know my role. It’s not going to be scoring 10 to 12 points. It’s gonna be the defensive rebounds, get blocks, challenge shots. I’m just accepting my role and that’s why I was drafted,” he added.

Bates, however, admitted felt the nerves facing up against Ginebra in Game 7 and before a huge crowd but got enough encouragement from the pre-game pep talk of Meralco team consultant Nenad Vucinic.

“Before the game, we were told to be brave, play brave, and I just took that to heart. I was like, you know what? I don’t want to go home. I’m going to play brave,” shared Bates.

After standing his ground against Aguilar and Standhardinger, up next for the rookie is the seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo as Meralco takes on San Miguel in the best-of-seven Finals which begin on Wednesday, June 5.