BARAKO Bull veteran forward Willy Wilson stood out among giants to help carry the Energy to a pulsating 105-98 overtime win over powerhouse Talk ‘N Text last Thursday.
While the Tropang Texters’ taller and younger frontcourt composed of Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario towered over his 6-2 frame, the former La Salle banger more than held his own on the way to a career-best game of 28 points and 20 rebounds.
The fourth overall pick of Alaska in the 2004 PBA Draft was a picture of intensity against Talk ‘N Text, using his vast experience to outwit his younger defenders, and helping Barako Bull improve to an even 4-4 win-loss card and secure a playoff spot in the process.
“I’m not a big stats guy. If I get the stats, great, as long as it contributes to a win,” said the 12-year veteran, who is averaging career-high numbers of 16.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. “If I get the stats but we don’t win, it’s all for nothing. Nobody’s gonna read about, 'Oh, Willy Wilson got this and that' if the team lost.”
A PBA journeyman who played for Alaska, San Migue,l and Barangay Ginebra before winding up with Barako Bull, Wilson was the choice for the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the week (for the period of Dec. 1-6), beating young PBA stars led by San Miguel Beer June Mar Fajardo and Ginebra’s Greg Slaughter, along with Star playmaker Mark Barroca.
Fajardo was coming off a season-high 35 points in San Miguel’s easy 102-86 demolition of Mahindra, while Slaughter banged in 35 points and hauled down 15 rebounds in Ginebra’s 102-94 overtime win against Blackwater.
Barako Bull shoots for its fifth win in the season-opening Philippine Cup this Friday when it faces Blackwater in the first game at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.