ILOILO – Encho Serrano skipped the PBA All-Star Slam Dunk contest but still put on a show for the fans on Friday in the RSJ game.
The Phoenix Super LPG rookie poured 40 points and added four rebounds, two assists, and two steals for Team Stalwarts, but his squad lost to Team Greats, 158-138, at the City of Passi Arena.
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Serrano was still able to entertain the fans despite initial reports that he will compete in the Slam Dunk contest only to pull out at the last second.
He explained that the decision had something to do with their previous game against Meralco where he stepped on the foot of import KJ McDaniels. The former La Salle cager said he was already in uniform for the dunk contest but later decided not to go through with it.
Serrano opted to bring his A game to the RSJ game instead.
“Dapat sasali ako. Nakabihis na ako pero sinabihan ko rin si Comm. (Willie Marcial) na medyo alanganin ako kasi last game namin against Meralco, naapakan ko ‘yung paa nung import nila. Iba pa rin ‘yun kasi kailangan ko pa rin tumalon ng malakas,” said Serrano, who once competed in the Fiba 3x3 youth slam dunk contest.
Serrano vowed to prepare for next year’s event.
“Sabi ko, hindi ko na muna gagamitin ngayon. Siguro, paghahandaan ko na lang next year kapag sumali ako,” said Serrano.
The Phoenix guard put all his efforts to the RSJ game, even pulling off two dunks in the contest. He also had 13 points in the fourth quarter during Team Stalwarts’ rally bid.
“Great experience. Gusto natin mapasaya ‘yung mga tao. Ginawa lang natin ‘yung best natin. Ginawa ko ‘yung best ko. ‘Yun ang kinalabasan… Hindi ko inisip na All-Star. Inisip ko pa rin na regular game ‘yun. Makikipag-compete pa rin. ‘Yun ang sabi ni Comm. na ibigay natin ‘yung magandang laro para sa mga nanonood,” said Serrano.
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