RAYMAR Jose is sporting a new look in the PBA Philippine Cup, wearing a head band to pay home for former Meralco teammate Reynel Hugnatan, now one of the assistant coaches of the Bolts.
And so far, it has also translated into a resurgence in his game.
Jose put together a double-double with 12 points and 17 rebounds in Meralco’s 109-97 loss to Phoenix on Sunday. His rebounding total is a career-high, according to PBA statistics head Fidel Mangonon.
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“Kay Kuya Reynel ‘yun galing,” said Jose. “Sinubukan ko. Sabi nila, bagay sa 'yo tapos kaliwete ka pa. Sakto idol ko rin naman siya.”
Jose said his new look has the blessings of Hugnatan, who even gave him some of his old head bands.
“Kaya sinuot ko na at saka binigyan niya ako nung orange, blue, tsaka white [head bands] kaya every game, sinusuot ko na,” said Jose.
With his performance on Sunday, Jose has averaged 12 points and 11.5 rebounds over the last two games - quite a jump who has spent most of the past five seasons marooned on the Meralco bench.
The 6-foot-4 former FEU star said all this time, he was only getting ready to pounce on any opportunity.
“Siguro always ready lang at pag pinasok ako ni coach, alam ko ‘yung gagawin ko kasi kapag hindi maganda laro ng first group, at least kami, ready kami lahat,” said Jose.
The 32-year-old Jose has no plan to ditch the head band throughout the conference.
“Yes, para tuluy-tuloy,” he added.
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