MONTALBAN, Rizal – Terrafirma rookie Shawn Umali was cheered by the pro-Barangay Ginebra crowd on Saturday in a couple of times where he barrelled his way inside for a scoring opportunity.
The No. 18 pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft made a big impression when he became the second leading scorer of the Dyip, finishing with 15 points in their 111-103 loss to the Gins.
READ: Ginebra catches fire from deep as it pummels spiraling Terrafima
The former College of St. Benilde star appreciated the gesture of the Barangay Ginebra fans that also kept him going in the game even though Terrafirma trailed by as many as 27 points.
“Siyempre masaya kasi first time ko nakalaban Ginebra,” said Umali. “Alam naman natin ang Ginebra, sobrang dami ng fanbase. Nakakatuwa lang na kapag nakaka-shoot ako, chini-cheer nila.”
“Parang nabu-boost din confidence ko na magpakita ng laro kanina,” Umali added.
Umali was coming off a game in which he faced Rain or Shine's Beau Belga last Wednesday, a match-up that also drew attention from the fans because of the similarities in their body structure.
Belga said that Umali reminds him of his younger self although much heavier, and had good words to say about him.
“Ang advantage niya, mabigat na siya, hefty siya, plus mabilis siya. He just has to manage kung ano man ang meron ka and make it an advantgage and not a disadvantage,” said Belga about the Umali.
READ: Beau Belga not putting much weight on face-off with Shawn Umali
The 25-year-old Umali admitted he idolizes Belga, and, unknown to many, has sought for his advice dating back to his NCAA days where Belga also worked as an analyst for the league's TV broadcaster GMA.
“Si Kuya Beau naman, idol ko siya. Binibigyan niya rin ako ng advice. Nag-memessage ako sa kanya sa IG (Instagram), nag-uusap kami,” said Umali.
“Ever since naman nasa NCAA ako, parang gina-guide din ako ni Kuya Beau. Napapanood niya game ko, nagko-commentator siya sa amin sa NCAA,” Umali added.
Umali said Belga's recent thoughts about him after Wednesday's game was the best words that he received from him.
“Tumatak sa akin yung message niya na lumabas nung nakaraan nung naglaban kami, yung nasa SPIN,” said Umali.
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