Brandon Bates sees golden chance as Meralco takes Game 1
At A Glance
- In a refreshing change of pace, Meralco has local basketball fans rooting for its success against defending champion San Miguel.
In a refreshing change of pace, Meralco has local basketball fans rooting for its success against defending champion San Miguel.
The Bolts snatched a 93-86 Game 1 victory over the Beermen to gain the important headstart in their best-of-seven clash in the PBA Philippine Cup Finals.
As the only team to have beaten San Miguel in the conference, Meralco understands everything that’s at stake once it has completely taken down the empire.
But with support they’re getting beyond the venue, the energy rubs off on the Bolts after setting the tone in hopefully clinching their first-ever franchise title which they deem would also salvage what’s left of the league – popularity and all.
“It means the world, honestly, [to see so many people rooting for us]. Sometimes we don’t see that many people. You don’t see the support all the time. The fact that they all came out [in Game 1] and everyone online saying that [our win will help the league],” Bates told Manila Bulletin.
“As a player, when you are in the Finals series, you try to block it out. All the social media posts, you try to stay off it. I’ve done that. But we all see it and we all appreciate the support,” he added.
Though the rookie was limited on the offensive end, his and Raymond Almanzan’s defensive presence spelled all the difference for Meralco particularly in the fourth quarter when it was all winding down.
Still, the rookie was glad to deliver exactly what was expected of him against Best Player of the Conference frontrunner June Mar Fajardo.
“I know I’m never gonna be an offensive superstar. I don’t have the skills that they do. [June Mar Fajardo] is the best player in the league. But I know my role, and that is to play good defense. I take pride in that,” said Bates.
“Whether it’s blocking shots or whether it’s just limiting him to [something small] instead of having 30 points or something like that. We’re never gonna be able to stop someone as good and as strong as him. But I know my role,” he added.
With a fierce comeback expected of San Miguel in Game 2, Bates already knows his place.
“I’m just gonna keep doing the same thing. That’s my role. I know I come five or six minutes into the game, I run, play defense and that’s all I need to do.”