GINEBRA'S ESPIRITU READY TO STEP-UP ANYTIME FOR TEAM

MANILA – With the trust and confidence from his coach and teammates, former University of the East Red Warrior Elmer Espiritu delivered the goods for Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in their 90-84 win over the Air 21 Express last Wednesday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

“Dahil binibigyan ako ng pagkakataon ni coach, sobrang saya ko at nakakapag step-up naman ako para sa team,” shared Espiritu in an interview with Solar Sports Desk.

Espiritu earned the starter’s role during their last game against the Express, where he was able to register a full statline of 10 points, six rebounds, an assist, a steal and a block.

“Sana magtuloy-tuloy kasi maganda naman yung tinatakbo ng team,” added Espiritu. “Lalo na sa import namin. Hindi siya yung tipong -- ibigay niyo sa akin yung bola. Hinahayaan niya kaming dumiskarte.”

Behind the strong play of Vernon Macklin, Ginebra is currently steamrolling on a five-game winning streak.

“Before the (Air 21) game, sinabihan niya ako na tumira lang ako ng tumira. So ayun, talagang added confidence para sakin yun,” revealed Espiritu, who was able to hit a key three-pointer in the crucial minutes of their game against the Express to bring their dwindling lead back to five.

Along with Espiritu, former UE alumnus Roberts Labagala was also instrumental in the game that saw Mark Caguioa, Kerby Raymundo and Rico Maierhofer sit-out with injuries.

“Sa practice talagang hard work lang kami. Abang-abang lang naman kami eh. Kapag nabigyan ng chance, ready kami anytime to step-up,” shared the Alaska Aces' fourth overall pick in the 2010 PBA draft.

He also gave credit to the Kings’ playmaker LA Tenorio for the renewed life in Barangay Ginebra’s game.

“Si LA talagang kinokontrol niya yung laro ng team eh. Pag nakita niyang pwede, talagang ibibigay niya yung bola kahit kanino sa amin,” bared the 27-year-old cager.

“Sana talaga maka-akyat pa kami sa standings para mas mapasaya pa namin ang mga fans ng Ginebra,” said Espirtu, who was able to tally a conference-high 28 minutes in their last game.


source: http://www.solarsportsdesk.ph/

playing time lang kulang ni elmer para mailabas ang natatagong galing nya.secret weapon naten yan.

mejo hindi maganda ang laro ni Elmer kagabi, hindi bale pumutok naman si Mac Baracael.. kya bawi ka na lang next tym Elmer... congrats sa team..

maaga kasi sya nakakuha ng 3 fouls kaya hindi na din masyado gumanda ang laro... pero okay lang yan, ready naman sila kapag pinasok ni coach al, ang maganda sa rotation ni coach al kahit maganda pa nilaro mo last game pero panget naman laro mo next game eh sigurado hindi mo makukuha ang playing time na gusto mo, c coach al kasi kung sino ang pumutok yun ang ibababad...