RALPH Cu proved up to the task of playing a major role for Barangay Ginebra in its PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series against Meralco.
The unheralded rookie finished with 18 points spiked by a near-perfect 6-of-7 shooting from beyond the arc in the Kings’ 92-88 win over the Bolts at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday night.
Cu hardly got playing minutes in his first playoffs appearance in the league during the Commissioner’s Cup, and never got to play when the Kings lost to eventual champion San Miguel Beermen in the semifinals.
READ Why 3x3 players Aurin, Serrano never got to reunite with Cu at Ginebra
He said playing in his first semis was fun and exciting.
“Sobrang saya ko lang na we got the win,” said the humble rookie.
Cu doesn’t mind not being able to see action in the semis last conference, aware that he plays the same position as import Tony Bishop.
“May import (kasi) last conference, so talagang mababawasan kami ng minutes nun or wala talaga,” he said. “Pero ngayon na walang imports, yung ibang locals kailangan mag step up.”
That was exactly what Cu did, especially with Meralco’s defense collapsing on the Twin Towers of Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar.
Coach Tim Cone noted the experience the former La Sallr guard gained from the first time Meralco played Ginebra and beat them to a pulp, 91-73.
“I think that was just his third game as a pro. So he’s had a lot of experience since that time playing big time, big minutes, and big moments,” said the Ginebra coach. “So he was up to the challenge. When they went off him, he was able to be there and knock down shots.”
“Like I keep saying, it’s nothing we don’t see in practice every day. So it’s not a surprise for us. I think it’s still a surprise for other teams, but not for us.”
Cu said he’ll try to keep it that way.
“I am up for the challenge naman, kahit ilang minutes naman ang ibigay sa akin, ibibigay ko na ang lahat ng kaya ko. Ano lang ready ako always, whether mataas ang minutes ko or mababa,” he added.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
