IF there’s something working wonders for San Miguel Beer in its past two games–wins against defending champion Ginebra 95-82 last Friday and TNT 98-93 two nights back–it must be coach Jorge Gallent’s charges embracing their roles.
“These guys just didn’t want to quit,” Gallent said. “They just played hard. Everybody played hard. Everybody gave their hearts out especially Ivan (Aska).
“I think he didn’t give his 100 percent, but I think he gave his 110 percent,” he added.
Gallent expressed his approval after the Beermen’s big victory over the Tropang Giga that hiked their mark to 5-3 in the season-opening tourney even without the likes of reigning seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo (fractured left hand), Jeron Teng (hamstring), and Vic Manuel (knee).
“We just have to move on. That’s what I said before. Injuries cannot stop us,” Gallent said.
“Our players have to step up, which they are doing just like in our game last Friday and tonight. It’s about knowing your roles and stepping up.”
TNT, which came off a 105-96 triumph over Blackwater four days ago, slipped to 4-4.
SMB import Ivan Aska surely heeded Gallent’s call in his final game for the team.
“He just wants to go out with a bang, so he did a great job,” Gallent said of Aska, who will be replaced by Bennie Boatwright.
“It hurts. But as I said, Ivan is professional. He understood it. I give him all the respect that I can give a man.”
Aska, who barely missed a double-double of 25 points and nine rebounds, and four assists, said he has already accepted his fate.
“Since I got here, that’s my motivation: Give it all I’ve got. I just came to do my job, but at the end of the day, I only control what I can control. The rest is out of my control. I love the staff, the coaches, my teammates. Ever since I came in, I felt welcomed,” Aska said.
“I want to give a big shoutout to Chris (Ross) ‘cause he (was) the one that made me feel comfortable. He helped me out a lot.”
CJ Perez chipped in 20 markers, seven boards, and two dimes, while Terrence Romeo, who got into a heated in-game confrontation with Aska, had 14 and two for SMB.
Aska and Romeo downplayed the altercation with 7:42 left.
“We were just saying how we loved each other. Since I met T (Romeo), he’s been a really good person,” Aska said.
“It was the heat of the game. Even off the court, I gave him a hug. I love him like a brother just for the time that he was my teammate. At the end of the day, it’s all love.”
Romeo added: “Mayroon lang misunderstanding sa play. Pero okay lang iyon, normal na magkaroon ng ganoong argument kasi pareho naming gusto maka-score.
