ANTIPOLO -- While much of the attention is focused on top overall pick CJ Perez, his fellow rookie and teammate JP Calvo is slowly turning into another prized find for the Columbian Dyip.
Calvo has become a source of energy for the Dyip through three games in the PBA Philippine Cup and played a key role in the Dyip's surprising 2-1 start.
The 11th overall pick in the previous draft practically stole the spotlight from the much-awaited matchup between Perez and NorthPort's Robert Bolick by scoring key baskets in Columbian Dyip's 110-100 triumph Friday night at the Ynares Center.
"Mas maganda nga para sa akin yun kasi hindi pressure sa akin," Calvo said when told most of the attention is on Perez.
"Kailangan ko lang maglaro nang maglaro, di ko kailangan magpakita talaga. At least yung ginagawa ko nasa system ni coach, go with the flow lang ako, at least effective ako sa kanya," he added.
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The 5-foot-7 playmaker out of Letran averaged 11.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.0 steals, his numbers constantly improving after a rough pro debut in the Dyip's 124-118 win over the San Miguel Beermen last Jan. 18.
On Friday, Calvo played as if he wants to prove something. Inserted in the fourth quarter against NorthPort, he quickly responded by sinking eight of his 12 points in that stretch, including five straight that gave Columbian a 103-91 lead with three minutes remaining.
"Parang na-pressure ako noong first game namin, di pa ako nakaka-adjust," he bared.
"Last game namin (against Phoenix), naka-adjust ako, nakuha ko na kumpiyansa ko. At least sana tuloy-tuloy na hanggang sa matapos." (JT)
