San Miguel Beer guard Jericho Cruz, left, fights for the ball towards Rain or Shine’s Adrian Nocum throughout Recreation 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine went down swinging in its Recreation 2 loss over San Miguel within the 2023 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at Mall of Asia Area on Sunday.
Nevertheless, no Elasto Painter exuded extra resilience than rookie Adrian Nocum, who fought for free balls and even challenged Beermen inches larger than him.
Within the fourth quarter, Nocum was sandwiched between San Miguel’s Jericho Cruz and Terrence Romeo which resulted in a soar ball.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals
Romeo went to assist out Cruz after a bump by Nocum, making the already-heated affair much more intense.
“Oh, that was nothing. What occurred was all three of us went for the ball (with Jericho Cruz) however no phrases had been mentioned,” assured Romeo in Filipino with Inquirer Sports activities.
The shifty guard, although, went on to tip his hat to the Rain or Shine younger gun.
“Really, I like Adrian’s recreation. He’s aggressive, each time he’s given a possibility to attain, he’ll. I’m certain he can enhance much more. He has much more room to be higher. If he’s already good now, give him extra years and he’ll enhance, particularly as a result of he’s underneath coach Yeng (Guiao),” mentioned Romeo after ending with 16 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
READ: PBA: Rookie Adrian Nocum stepping up for Rain or Shine
Nocum turned heads regardless of the 106-89 loss to the reigning Philippine Cup kings, tallying a close to double-double with 17 factors and 9 rebounds.
The Mapua product definitely held his personal after being rendered scoreless in Recreation 1 of the semis, a lot to the shock of Cruz.
Beneath Guiao’s steering
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao within the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.web
“It was simply good protection. We had been combating for the ball. He attacked and I needed to play good protection so I needed to get the ball,” mentioned Cruz after registering 9 factors to assist in giving San Miguel a pivotal 2-0 lead.
“Seeing Nocum, he has an enormous upside and he’ll be there sooner or later. He’ll enhance with coach Yeng.”
READ: PBA: Rain or Shine gained’t make issues straightforward for San Miguel
The guard tandem of San Miguel prolonged their reward from Nocum to Guiao, who honed a younger Elasto Painters squad to the semifinals.
“All the gamers I noticed who didn’t use to be that good turned nice underneath coach Yeng. What extra when it’s with guys like Nocum, (Gian) Mamuyac, Andrei Caracut, Anton (Asistio), who’re already gifted?” contemplated Romeo.
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“All of them in that crew underneath coach Yeng have brilliant futures forward of them. Figuring out coach Yeng, he provides everybody an opportunity. He doesn’t actually have a second or third group. Whoever he sees good in follow, he provides them an opportunity,” Cruz added.
