MARK Barroca remains one of the top guards in the league even at age 37.
In one of the best scoring stretches in his career, Barroca is averaging 15.2 points per game in the PBA Philippine Cup.
READ Barroca's run of straight games unbroken after injury scare
The pride of Zamboanga also had good numbers in the last Commissioner’s Cup where he posted 13.2 points per outing, and even earned a spot as a team captain in last month’s PBA All-Star Game in Bacolod City.
This as he extends his streak of consecutive games played that now stands at 570 following Magnolia’s 81-77 victory over Blackwater where Barroca had 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Barroca is even stretching his record while playing with a sprained hand he sustained during their third game of the conference against Barangay Ginebra.
“Thirdy-seven na ba siya? Parang trenta lang ‘yan,” said Magnolia coach Chito Victolero on Barroca.
Barroca watches his diet
Aside from his hard work during practice that resulted in quality games, especially in the Philippine Cup, Victolero said Barroca, now in his 12th season in the PBA, has also been watching his diet to aid in keeping himself in shape.
“Hindi nagpapabaya ‘yan. Nakikita ko siya kung gaano niya inaalagaan katawan niya, ‘yung kanyang kinakain,” said Victolero of the former Smart Gilas product.
“Kamote lang sa umaga ‘yan saka itlog kaya alagang-alaga niya ‘yung katawan niya. I think ‘yun ‘yung one of the biggest factors na nakakasabay siya sa mga bata because inaalagaan talaga niya ‘yung katawan niya ng mabuti,” said Victolero.
Leading by example
Victolero said he is thankful to Barroca’s leadership through example as shown by his willingness to play games even while playing with an injured shooting hand.
“I’m very thankful to Mark kasi alam ko rin ‘yung nararamdaman niya. I talk to him about being a leader. He is showing his passion, guts, and grit niya. Talagang binibigay niya lahat kahit na may nararamdaman siya,” said Victolero.
“Alam naman namin na masakit pero wala siyang choice eh. Siya ‘yung leader. Siya ang tinitignan dito. The good thing is that they will follow. Ito nga, may injury na, naglalaro pa. Tayo pa kayang walang may injury. Very thankful ako sa kanya sa sakripisyong ginagawa niya sa team,” he added.
Despite Barroca’s play this conference, Victolero said he remains wary of the minutes of his veteran guard as he wants him healthy during the latter part of the conference where Magnolia is expected to figure for the Philippine Cup title.
Victolero hopes that their other guards in the line-up led by Jio Jalalon would be able to step up in the final stretch of the elimination round.
“Siguro ‘yung recovery, matagal tagal ng konti kasi mahaba haba minuto niya. Pinipilit namin na kahit papano, he is ready for the playoffs para hindi siya nauubos.
“Hopefully, our guards like Jio, Jed, and Jerrick can help him doon sa spot na ‘yun para hindi siya masyadong masunog,” said Victolero.
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