REY Nambatac is embracing the challenge of leading the TNT backcourt in the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals against Barangay Ginebra in the absence of injured leader Jayson Castro.
Nambatac admitted the notion dawned on him late in the Tropang Giga's semifinals series against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters as he initially struggled with his game early in the best-of-seven duel.
"Nabigla rin ako sa nangyari sa pagka-injury ni kuya Jayson. Na-pressure din ako," said the 31-year-old guard out of Letran.
That should explain why his average dipped to 6.6 points in the five-game semis, while adding 3.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals.
In the first three games of the semis, Nambatac actually averaged just 3.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.
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But when he finally settled down and took over the job as the Tropang Giga's primary player at the point, he was back to his old, reliable self, scoring 12 points each in the last two outings of the semis including the 97-92 close-out game.
"At least kahit paano na-overcome ko na 'yung pressure na 'yun and na-realize ko na instead na bumaba yung morale ko, tinake ko siya as motivation and a positive (thing) na rin para lumabas yung laro ko and makatulong pa rin sa team namin," he said.
Nambatac is now looking to help guide TNT to a second straight championship in Season 49 as Game 1 of the finals between the Kings and Tropang Giga kicks off on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena. (RG)
