ALASKA coach Alex Compton was all praises for unheralded NLEX big man Mike Miranda after an 87-83 loss left the Aces out of the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Miranda, the 21st pick overall in the 2015 PBA rookie draft, scored five straight points down the stretch to lead the Road Warriors to the first semifinal appearance for the four-year-old franchise.
The former San Sebastian reserve big man drained a three pointer with 2:47 left before draining the go-ahead free throws half a minute later to give the Road Warriors an 85-83 lead.
"Last game obviously it was Kiefer (Ravena), this time it was Miranda's five points and the free throws," said Compton after the sorry loss.
"We had to make a decision on their ball screens whether to leave Larry Fonacier or Miranda and Miranda made the play," he added.
Compton believes Miranda's emergence under the tutelage of coach Yeng Guiao should serve as an inspiration for all players who've struggled to break into the professional league.
"He should be an encouragement to all young players that dont get a big break right away," the Alaska coach said.
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