ANTIPOLO CITY - Is Baser Amer ready to follow in the footsteps of retired guard Jimmy Alapag as the next leader of Meralco?
Judging from the way he's been commanding respect from the rest of the Bolts, he sure does.
Amer on Sunday night was vocal about being grateful to his teammates, who have learned to follow and embrace what he's been preaching during games.
And to think the third year point guard is one among the three youngest players at Meralco along with fellow playmakers Anjo Caram and Mike Tolomia.
"Proud din ako sa sarili ko kasi yung maturity na-develop ko na, yung pagiging vocal sa team kahit mga beterano na sila," he said. "Kahit sa age ko na ito, napapasunod ko sila.
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"Kumbaga yung leadership (na-develop ko na)."
Alapag, the great former league MVP, once served as heart-and-soul of Meralco, guiding the franchise to its first ever finals appearance two years ago in this very same tournament before retiring at the end of the 2016 season.
With Amer acting as the new stabilizer for the team, the Bolts have finally settled down following a slow start and are on a current seven-game winning run - a franchise record - including a 97-92 victory over the Alaska Aces in Game 1 of the PBA Governors Cup Sunday at the Ynares Center.
The 26-year-old Davao native scored 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists in the win that put Meralco closer of returning to the finals of the season-ending tournament after almost being given up for dead early in the eliminations.
While Amer's budding leadership somehow contributed to the streak, he credited the entire Bolts instead for being good soldiers on the court.
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"Siyempre kung ano yung gusto ng coach, yun ang sinasabi nila sa aming mga guards," he said.
After playing six straight knockout games, Amer welcomed the change of playing in a match that hasn't had a do-or-die bearing.
Still, it's a long way to go for the Bolts, according to Amer.
"Mababalewala yun lahat kung matatalo kami sa semis," he said.
"Nakukuha na nga ulit namin yung laro ng bawat isa, kung ano yung Meralco dati. Kaya sana magtuluy-tuloy lang.(RG)
