By REYNALD MAGALLON
It’s never too late for Rain or Shine resident enforcer Beau Belga to showcase his full offensive arsenal at 37.
Not really known for his offense although he has proven to be a reliable enforcer inside the paint, but Belga, hold your breath, is aging like a fine wine.
What to see the proof?
Belga produced five solid games in a row – his first in 15 years in the pro league. Little wonder, he is relishing the best scoring stretch of his career.
So far in the conference, Belga had already reset his career-high in points twice – first when he recorded a triple-double of 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the win over Converge and then the last time on Wednesday, April 17 against NorthPort when he notched 28 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
More importantly, he has steered the team to five straight wins during that hot stretch where he averaged 22.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
Asked about the string of good performances, Belga said it was just a byproduct of him trying to fill in the void left by injured rookie big man Keith Datu.
“Mula nung na-injury si Keith, talagang in-ano ko sa sarili ko na kailangan ko i-exert ‘yung sarili ko on offense. If I have a chance, if I have (an opportunity) sa opensa, aangkinin ko naman.,” said Belga.
“Simula nung na-injury si Keith, talagang pinanindigan ko na. Magbabakaw na ako,” added the veteran center who also pointed out how he was taking more attempts at this conference.
“Nagkakaroon na ako ng time na 16, 17 shots in the game. Bibihira ‘yun sa 15 years ko dito sa PBA. Usually, 11, 10, pinakamarami na ‘yun,” he shared.
The confidence to take that many shots in a Rain or Shine team brimming with young talent comes from head coach Yeng Guiao. He stressed that he was just trying to repay the trust of the fiery mentor.
“Yung kumpyansa sa kin ni coach na pinagkakatiwala sa akin yung primary offense namin tapos hinahayaan nya akong dumiskarte on my own so nakakapagdecide tayo ng maganda nagreresult sa good offense,” said Belga.
“I’m just doing my job, setting the ball screen, setting up my teammates and sharing the ball. I’m really into leading these guys,” he added.
