RR GARCIA turned back the hands of time with his career game for Phoenix in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.
The 2010 UAAP MVP had 20 points and a PBA personal best 10 assists in the Fuelmasters’ 94-78 win over Terrafirma. It was Garcia’s first double-double in the PBA.
Known now as a role player, Garcia’s point production equaled his highest over the last six seasons, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon, after he also had 20 in last season’s Commissioner’s Cup during a 135-84 win over Terrafirma.
Garcia steps up in Tio's absence
The 34-year-old Garcia said he took it upon himself to produce since the team’s starting point guard ,Tyler Tio, is set to be out for a lengthy time due to an ankle injury.
“Sa akin lang kasi, wala si Tyler eh. Kailangang mag-step up as a veteran sa team,” said Garcia.
The former Far Eastern University standout scored 16 points in the second half, helping overturn a 44-39 deficit at the half. Garcia exploited the Terrafirma defense against Phoenix’s ball screen offense enabling him to either score or dish out a pass to an open big man.
“Down kami nung first half. Maraming big man sa amin na nalilibre lalo na sa ballscreen lagi sa akin. Fini-feed ko lagi sa kanila,” said Garcia. “Nalilibre rin ako, kailangan ko itira kasi kailangan ko rin ng kumpiyansa.”
Perkins lauds Garcia
“I love playing with RR,” said Phoenix big man Jason Perkins, who was one of the recipients of Garcia’s assists as he tallied 18 points in the game. "I love setting ball screens for RR.
“RR is very mature. RR doesn’t get the appreciation and respect that he should. We have a lot of talented guards too. But I guess with Tyler going down, he (Garcia) gets the opportunity to get more playing time. And it goes to show what he can do,” said Perkins.
More than the scoring, however, Garcia said he is embracing the leadership role tasked to him, being one of the longest-tenured players on the team. The trust in Garcia’s qualities as a leader earned him a one-year deal with the Fuel Masters recently.
“Sa akin naman, sa opportunity na binibigay ni coach Jamike, kailangan ko i-grab ‘yun. Nagpapasalamat din ako sa kanya at sa management,” said Garcia.
“Dumaan din ako sa pagka-rookie. ‘Yung mga beterano, kailangan talaga ma-guide ‘yung mga rookies. Every practice, lalo na si Tyler, siya ang starting point guard namin, kung ano ang na-experience ko, shine-share ko rin sa kanya,” said Garcia.
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