Brandon Bates came out like a young, cocky player who looks unaware of the magnitude of the situation he’s involved in.
He was simply like an energetic center who had an enjoyable time swatting every enemy attempt in Meralco’s series-clinching 78-69 Game 7 semifinals victory over Barangay Ginebra, the first time the Bolts were able to beat their tormentors in seven tries in a seven-game duel.
“I don’t know if he knew how big the moment was because we were telling him to play brave, and he was brave enough. Talagang lumaban siya and mahirap yun,” said Meralco coach Luigi Trillo, who was responsible in the Bolts’ last two playoff victories over Barangay Ginebra.
In last season’s Philippine Cup, the Bolts defeated the Gin Kings in a best-oif-three quarterfinals showdown, but this one was probably the sweetest as it put Meralco back in the championship round where they will face San Miguel Beer for the championship.
It will also be Meralco’s first finals trip in an all-Filipino tournament.
Bates finished with six points, 13 rebounds and six shot blocks as the rookie was able to hold his own against the more established, more accomplished and more experienced Christian Standhardinger.
“I said before the start of the series, Brandon is going to be crucial. Because you go up against teams that have big men like (Christian) Standhardinger, si June Mar (Fajardo). Even in our out-of-town game when we played Magnolia, I don’t know what’s with the out of town but Brandon plays very well, and he matched up against (James) Laput,” said Trillo during his interview with Power and Play with Noli Eala.
“It’s been awhile for us to get something from the Draft, when you’re trying to look for a big man na may potential and nahulog siya sa amin sa ninth. I can’t speak enough about this guy. Yung ugali niya, very down to earth.”
After getting past Standhardinger and Ginebra, the real acid test comes on Wednesday when Bates faces seven-time Most Valuable Player Fajardo and the San Miguel Beermen.
For Trillo, the Bolts’ latest finals trip could be the start of something significant for the franchise, which was able to turn things around with Serbian coach Nenad Vucenic playing a more active role, helping out Trillo.
“I’ve been with Meralco for 10 years now and we were 0-6 when playing Ginebra in a best-of-seven. We got over the hump in our quarterfinal match up (last season), but this one was grueling. Heroes all around, led by our active coaching consultant, Coach Nenda Vucenic. I really can’t put it into words. Ginebra is such a great club with a lot of pride and to come out, means a lot to us,” added Trillo.
