Banchero has risen into one of the PBA’s best players as evident with his status as one of the leading candidates for the Governors’ Cup Best Player of the Conference award.
But Alaska’s bitter defeats to San Miguel Beer in the 2015 Philippine Cup and Governors’ Cup and 2016 Philippine Cup and Rain or Shine in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup continue to haunt Banchero, who is focused on changing Alaska’s fortunes in the Governors’ Cup Finals showdown with Magnolia.
“It’s time to change that, it’s time to step up to this challenge and embrace it and understand where we are as a team,” said Banchero.
“I think we’re playing some of the best basketball in the PBA but it’s gonna be tough. Magnolia’s not gonna lay down and give us the championship. We need to step up in this Game 1 and set the tone for the series.”
Game 1 of the best-of-seven series will start on Dec. 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena, enough time for Banchero to fully heal from a groin injury he sustained against Meralco in the semifinals.
Though stressing the need for guys like Jvee Casio, Vic Manuel, Simon Enciso and Ping Exciminiano for additional help, Banchero is pleased to be in the title series at the time when all seems to be going well after four seasons in the league.
Banchero is averaging 14.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and a league-leading 7.1 assists to finish fifth in the BPC race with 31.56 race.
Standing his way in his quest for a first Best Player trophy are San Miguel’s Christian Standhardinger (41.9), NorthPort’s Stanley Pringle (34.0), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Japeth Aguilar (32.9) and Magnolia’s Paul Lee (31.64).
“I’m probably playing the best basketball of my PBA career right now so it feels good that it’s coming together right now,” Banchero said.
“But it won’t be my best season unless we win that championship,” he added. (Jonas Terrado)
