PJ SIMON got the starting nod on Tuesday and made the most out of it in Magnolia’s win over Blackwater in the quarterfinals of the PBA Governors’ Cup.
In the Hotshots’ 103-99 win over the Elite, Simon had a conference-high 16 points, 11 coming in the first quarter to help Magnolia set the tone for the quarterfinal win.
Prior to the match, Simon started twice in his eight games in the elimination round of the Governors’ Cup.
Simon admitted getting the starting job helped in getting his groove. He shot 6 of 10 from the field including a 4 of 7 clip from threes.
“Siguro dahil naging starter ako sa game na ‘to. Maganda ‘yung nangyayari dahil hinahanap ako ng mga teammates ko. Binibigyan nila ako ng opportunity. Ibig sabihin, nakakapaglaro ako ng mahaba haba,” said Simon.
When asked if he has a hint on why he was called upon to start in the game, Simon said: “Wala akong clue pero ‘yung sa akin lang, alam ko nagmamatch-up match-up siya ng mga players. May mga teams na hindi na nakakalaro, may mga teams na bigla ka na lang start. Basta ready lang.”
With his play on Tuesday, the 38-year-old Simon hopes to be an inspiration to his teammates especially with Magnolia advancing to the semifinals of the Governors’ Cup.
“Gusto ko lang maging ready lagi. May mga time na hindi ako nakakalaro. Kapag pinapasok ako, gusto ko maging ready para makatulong sa team especially para ma-inspire ko ‘yung mga teammates ko off the bench, yung pagiging professional, pagiging ready everytime. Gusto ko matutunan din nila,” said Simon.