Late in his career, it's all about championships and team play for Raymundo

SAYING he no longer has anything to prove, veteran big man Kerby Raymundo is more than happy to yield the limelight to his Barangay Ginebra teammates.

Unlike before during his time with San Mig Coffee when he and two-time MVP James Yap were the stars of the show, the 10-time All-Star said he’s now more than happy to stay in the background and just trying to help his team win a championship in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The veteran center out of Letran added he’s no longer after any personal gains.

“Hindi rin pwede `yung uunahin mo `yung pansarili, kasi magugulo ang chemistry ng team,” said Raymundo. “Hindi naman na tayo bata na kailangang mag-sariling ano (pasikat), wala na tayong dapat i-prove."

With steady big man Billy Mamaril sidelined for four weeks due to a fractured ring finger, the challenge is now up for Raymundo and other Ginebra biggies to step up in the team’s final two assignments.

Raymundo, however, has just recovered from a recent bout with the flu and had to be take an intravenous drip, the reason why he refused to predict a possible breakout game with the Kings just like what teammate Mac Baracael did for Ginebra rece ntly and Dondon Hontiveros for Alaska.

“Hindi na ko tumitingin sa ganun, kasi pag ang mindset mo ganun, pansarili yun,” said Raymundo. “Dati (sa Purefoods) obligasyon ko yun eh, kami ni James (Yap) talagang obligasyon namin (na umiskor) dahil every game kami ang inaasahan.

“Dito sa Ginebra, iba role ko at professional ako na gampanan kung ano man yun.”

Raymundo said the Kings’ current winning streak is the result of a collective effort by the team.

“Tulong-tulong kami. Hindi naman kayang i-step up ng isang tao ang game, kailangan sabay-sabay kami. Collective effort.”

As Kerby looks forward at returning to the court, he said there are no other things on his mind but to play his part in Ginebra’s rotation.

Raymundo added better team effort can lead to better results for the Kings.

“Hindi na muna namin iniisip kung kelan ang semis, kung kailan ang finals. Basta one game at a time lang kami. Hopefully dumating tayo dun,” he said.

Winning a fifth league title is definitely one of his objectives late in his career.

“Sana maka-champion pa para high five na,” he reiterated. “Alam ko nasa quarters na kami, pero hindi naman kami satisfied ng hanggang quarterfinals lang.”

SOURCE: SPIN.ph

Parang tinamaan din ng malas si Kerby, nung natrade sha sa Ginebra biglang nagchampion naman ang BMEG/SMCM nun..

Pero sana talaga maging consistent ka, wag sa TO's ha