Learning continues for Meralco rookies Daquioag, Grey | ABS-CBN

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Learning continues for Meralco rookies Daquioag, Grey

Learning continues for Meralco rookies Daquioag, Grey

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

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Meralco rookie Ed Daquioag (6) looks to score against Blackwater's James Sena. Photo courtesy of the PBA Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines – Meralco rookies Ed Daquioag and Jonathan Grey got their baptism of fire on Sunday, making their debuts in the Bolts' 84-86 loss to Blackwater in the 2016-17 PBA Philippine Cup.

Both players had impressive moments, with Grey showing off his scoring ability with a flurry of points to end the first quarter, while Daquioag held his own when tasked to defend Blackwater rookie Mac Belo.

Neither player was satisfied with his performance after the game, however, and not just because they lost the game.

"Learning process," Grey said tersely when asked about his game. "Talo kami eh. Ano 'yung 11 points, 'di ba?"

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Even after the buzzer sounded, the former De La Salle-College of St. Benilde star still agonized over his poor defense on Belo's game-tying three-pointer in the final two minutes. "Naka-shoot si Belo, sayang, ako ang nasa harap niya," he said.

"Kumbaga, huwag mong tingnan 'yung magaganda," Grey added. "isipin mo 'yung mga kulang."

At the very least, Grey took comfort in the knowledge that he does not have to change too much of his game. Coach Norman Black and even their other veteran teammates give him the confidence to shoot, Grey said, and did not reprimand him even after he missed a crucial triple in crunch time.

"Nakakahiya naman (tumira), pero 'di sila nagagalit eh, so confident ako," he explained. "'Yun ang binibigay nila sa akin. Lahat sila, lahat ng kakampi ko, kahit si Coach Norman, 'di ko nakikita na (nagtatanong), 'Bakit mo tinira 'yun?' Ganun."

"Kahit noong huli, 'di ba, medyo hesitant na 'yung tira ko. Tiningnan ko 'yung reaksyon, wala naman," he added.

It was a different story for Daquioag. The former University of Santo Tomas (UST) star is learning to play primarily as a point guard, after being a combo guard for most of his collegiate career.

"Medyo nangangapa lang," he admitted. "Siyempre, new (system) ulit. Tsaka point guard kasi ang nilalaro ko sa Meralco eh."

"Siyempre, si Coach Norman, medyo marami siyang plays," Daquioag added.

"Kumbaga, ina-absorb ko pa, and tina-try kong i-implement sa mga teammates ko. Nagf-facilitate ako eh. Medyo ina-adjust ko pa sa ganoong sitwasyon."

It did not help that Daquioag was playing in essentially just his second game with the Bolts.

"Isang tune-up pa lang ako sa Meralco," he revealed. "Hindi ako nakalaro noong nag-Cebu. Kumbaga, pangalawang game ko pa lang."

For both rookies, making their PBA debuts was a dream come true, but at the same time, an eye-opener to the work that they still have to do.

"Work in progress pa," said Daquioag. "Aral-aral pa muna."

For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.

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