By Jerome Lagunzad
Slowed down by a nagging right knee injury, Blackwater forward Mac Belo was far from pleased with how his rookie year in the PBA turned out.
One of the Elite’s reliables in the Philippine Cup, the 6-foot-4 Belo was virtually a non-factor in their Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors Cup, no thanks to a sore lateral meniscus in his right knee.
But the former Far Eastern University standout is not one to cry over spilled milk, confident that he can make up for lost ground in the brand new season and prove why he’s the top overall selection in last year’s rookie draft.
“Nagpo-focus ako ngayon sa conditioning ko. Kailangan ma-sustain ko pagiging healthy throughout the year. Gusto ko kasi na mas makatulong ako sa team this season,” said Belo, 24, in a phone interview with Tempo-Manila Bulletin yesterday.
Limited to just 21 matches where he averaged 11.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.0 steal, Belo – if he can stay healthy enough – is bound for a breakout performance following the departure of forward KG Canaleta who walked away as a free agent and joined the Meralco Bolts.
But the proud Midsayap, Cotabato native is more eager to put the team’s overall interest than himself.
“Siyempre matulungan manalo ‘yung team. Maganda ‘yung pinakita namin last season pero gusto namin na lampasan ‘yun,” he said.
“Mas may idea na ngayon sila coach kung paano ako gagawin na comfortable du’n sa lalaruin ko na posisyon. Kung ano mang role at ano man ang maitutulong ko sa team, gagawin ko naman ‘yung best ko.”
Belo added the Elite should be in for a better showing with the return of promising center Poy Erram, who has recovered from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee.
“Malaki talaga ang maitutulong ni Poy sa amin kasi magkakaroon na ulit kami ng legit center. At least, may pantapat na kami sa mga tulad nila June Mar (Fajardo of San Miguel Beer),” he said.
The Elite will open their PBA Philippine Cup title campaign against the Bolts next Friday at the Astrodome.
