CALASIAO, Pangasinan — Rey Guevarra tied a PBA record by winning his fifth All-Star Slam Dunk contest crown on Friday.
But it was by no means easy.
The 32-year-old Guevarra said this year’s edition was the most difficult title he won in his career as he was nursing a groin injury during the competition that kept him from taking off on one leg.
“Ngayon ‘yung pinakamahirap kasi hindi ako makatalon ng one leg,” said Guevarra. “Hirap na hirap ako kasi ‘yung groin ko sumasakit. Kahit hindi ako two-foot jumper, talagang pinilit ko mag-two foot. Mahirap talaga. At siyempre ‘yung pressure.”
Guevarra also had to survive a gutsy challenge in a dunk-off with Palma, who failed to connect with Beau Belga on a difficult attempt that had the Rain or Shine big man throwing a lob pass from the stands.
Guevarra responded with a tomahawk dunk while parting his Phoenix teammates like the Red Sea.
“Suwerte ko rin, nag-miss siya. Magaling rin talaga ‘yung bata,” said Guevarra.
Guevarra said he is honored to share the PBA record with KG Canaleta, who he describes as his idol.
“Para sa akin, ito ‘yung pinaka-memorable kasi napantayan ko si KG. Idol ko ‘yun nung college. Sabi ko, pangarap ko dati makapanalo lang ako ng Slam Dunk sa PBA. God is so good na binigay niya sa akin,” said Guevarra.
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