THE rise in Rodney Brondial’s numbers is no joke.
After averaging just 1.0 points and 1.13 rebounds in eight games during the Commissioner’s Cup, San Miguel's resident funnyman is now producing 6.7 rebounds and 10.29 rebounds through seven games in the Philippine Cup.
The former Adamson big man had 16 points and a career-high 22 rebounds in San Miguel’s 128-89 win over Terrafirma on Sunday at the Ynares Center-Montalban, proving that his increased production over the course of the conference is no fluke.
READ Brondial's jokes with June Mar in practice spreads good vibes online
The 34-year-old Brondial said he is taking advantage of the minutes given to him now that the tournament is an all-local conference.
“Siyempre, all-Filipino. Eto siyempre ‘yung pagkakataon natin na maglaro eh. Pag may import, nasa mundo na naman tayo ng mga halimaw eh,” said Brondial in jest.
“Pag may import, pa-joke time joke time na naman tayo,” said Brondial, who also became known for his comic skits on social media concerning his seaman friend.
Sunday’s performance wasn’t the first time this conference that he had a double-double.
In their game against Magnolia last April 16, Brondial scored 10 points and hauled down 11 rebounds. But he insisted that his focus is mainly rebounding, which could be the reason why he grabbed nine twice and eight twice this conference.
“Ako naman, kung ano ‘yung mabibigay ko especially ‘yung mga intangibles. Basta makatulong lang sa team. Hindi naman ako conscious sa points. Ever since naman, ‘yung rebounds talaga ang focus ko saka ‘yung depensa.
“Nagkataon lang ‘yung 16 points talaga. Mas binibilang ko pa nga ‘yung rebounds,” said Brondial.
San Miguel coach Leo Austria isn’t surprised with the fine play of Brondial, his player way back during his Adamson days after spotting him in a village league.
“Ever since naman eh, alam naman natin ‘yung kanyang hard-nosed defense at ‘yung kanyang rebounding. He is intense. During practice, makikita mo ‘yung intensity, nandoon eh. That’s the habit na ginagawa niya.”
“When we won the all-Filipino, nag-20-20 din siya against Blackwater sa playoffs kaya ‘yun ‘yung mga ginagawa niya. I’m so fortunate to have a player like him. Hindi mo na kailangang i-motivate. Self-motivated siya,” said Austria.
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