IT'S been more than a decade since Cliff Hodge came aboard Meralco and became the longest-tenured player in franchise history.
And so its going to be a memorable one if and when the Bolts win their first ever PBA title in the Philippine Cup Finals.
"It's been 13 years now that I've been with Meralco. And it will always be special if you win it, first and foremost," Hodge said during the pre-finals presser for Meralco and San Miguel.
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"It's good to be back in the finals. You have a chance to try and achieve a championship."
This won't be the first time Hodge will be suiting up in a PBA Finals, although the first four all ended up in a heartbreaker as the Bolts ended up runne-rup to the Barangay Ginebra Kings each time.
The veteran forward said it sucks every time Meralco would end up empty-handed, something which he hopes the team would change going to its title series against reigning champion San Miguel.
"I hope this is different. And I feel different," said the 36-year-old Fil-Am, a first-round pick of Meralco (No. 4 overall) in the 2012 PBA rookie draft.
The Bolts have gotten their long-time tormentor Ginebra out of the way, but are now up against the top-seeded Beermen, the reigning champions and most accomplished franchise in PBA history which is seeking a record 30th championship.
But the 6-foot-4 Hodge still likes their chances especially after surviving Ginebra in a gruelling seven-game series that went the full route.
"I trust all of my teammates. I trust the coaching staff. And we believe we can do it," said Hodge.
"And that's where it starts, when you believe you can actually do it. I hope we find a chance to get it."
Game 1 of the best-of-seven finals kicks off on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
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