Rookie Chris Ellis impresses Ginebra stars Mark Caguioa, LA Tenorio in do-or-die win

PBA/Nuki Sabio

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rookie Chris Ellis is known for his flash, thrilling PBA fans with his highlight-reel dunks.

But on Tuesday, with the Gin Kings’ campaign on the line, Ellis proved that he had plenty of substance too, finishing with 19 points and 12 rebounds to help his team defeat Talk ‘N Text for the final playoff spot in the Governors’ Cup.

After the game, Ginebra superstar Mark Caguioa can’t help but gush about his teammate.

“Oh, man. Chris Ellis. He got those rebounds, he made those outside shots. It was him who stepped up tonight,” said reigning Most Valuable Player.

LA Tenorio, who was chosen as the Best Player of the game after scoring seven of his team’s last nine points, also heaped praises on Ellis.

“All season long, parati namin siyang sinasabihan na makukuha niya rin yung rhythm niya and yung role niya dito sa team,” said Tenorio. “Good timing na nakuha niya ngayon this game against Talk ‘N Text.”

Tenorio believes the league’s reigning slam dunk king will play a big role for Ginebra in the playoffs, where the team takes on top-seed Petron in another must-win ballgame.

“Offensively, defensively, and his hustle, malaking bagay yung maibibigay niya,” added Tenorio.

For Ellis, it was Ginebra’s character that proved to be the difference.

“This team thrives on situations like this. Character usually comes out for this team in games like this,” Ellis told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview. “Fortunately, my shots were falling tonight. We were talking defense and everything came together.”

Ellis said Ginebra’s former coach Alfrancis Chua, who now serves as team manager, who pushed him to make contributions.

“Boss Alfrancis talked to me before the game how much we really need rebounds and how we really need defense and communication on the floor,” said Ellis.

“I tried to take it upon myself to just really scream on the court to let my teammates know what’s going on defensively and whatever goes up try to just get it.”

Source: Interaksyon.com