DON'T count out Kerby Raymundo just yet.
With Ginebra hobbled by injuries, the 32-year-old forward has been tasked to take a bigger load on offense as the Kings continue their playoff push in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
And so far, Raymundo hasn't disappointed yet.
Over Ginebra's last three games including two in their current best-of-five semifinals series with Talk `N Text, the 6-foot-6 Raymundo is averaging 14.6 points and nine rebounds – nearly doubling his elimination round averages of 7.33 points and 4.5 boards
"Mayroon diyang nagsasabing over the hill na si Kerby, pero ipinapakita niyang far from over siya," said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua. "He is proving Kerby is still Kerby and I'm very happy for him."
Raymundo's recent resurgence easily earned him the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week honors for the extended period April 22 to 29.
Chua also has a ready explanation as to why the man known as ‘The Kid’ seemed to have lost a step early in the conference.
"Nagkasakit lang siya and then iniinda niya hamstring kaya hindi siya masyadong naglaro nu'ng eliminations," related the pony-tailed tactician, who has also been missing the services of reigning MVP Mark Caguioa, and big men Billy Mamaril and Rudy Hatfield in the semis.
"Pero may tiwala ako sa tao, kasi napaka-sipag sa practice, no let-up. If you will also notice, team player siya. Pero ngayong kailangan namin ang go-to guy, nandiyan siya. Points, rebounds, depensa ibinibigay niya. In other words, iyung tiwala sa kanya, sinusuklian niya."
With Raymundo’s improved play and Caguioa and Hatfield expected to be back when Game 3 of the series resumes May 8 following the Annual All-Stars, the Kings are certainly looking in good shape of bouncing back following an 85-79 loss in Game 2 that tied the showdown at 1-game apiece.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
