Inspiring words from TNT teammate Kelly Williams gave Henry Galinato the push to achieve his double-double outing over Terrafirma in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Saturday, March 9.
There is nothing like a pep talk from a former Most Valuable Player.
TNT rookie Henry Galinato got just that from teammate Kelly Williams, and the result was a phenomenal outing in the Tropang Giga’s 100-97 win over erstwhile undefeated Terrafirma in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Saturday, March 9.
With the 42-year-old Williams, who took the top individual accolade in 2008, and Poy Erram still nursing injuries, Galinato did an excellent job handling matters in their stead as he posted double career-highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds.
“The moment I knew Kelly was not going to play, he came to me and we had a one-on-one talk,” the former University of the Philippines slotman said post-match.
“He told me to block everything out. [He said,] ‘You’re a good player, show it. I have utmost confidence in you.’ That gave me an extra boost especially coming from Kelly.”
The 6-foot-7 Galinato was a beast at the post. Isaac Go and Ian Sangalang took turns defending him, but he was simply unstoppable.
TNT coach Chot Reyes coud not help but be pleased even as the performance of his ward did not exactly surprise him.
“What you’re seeing now is a product of the hardwork he puts behind the scenes. I’m not even referring to our practice,” Reyes said of his prized charge, who was the 15th overall pick in the 2023 draft.
But a tougher task awaits Galinato and the rest of the Tropang Giga as they take on reigning Commissioner's Cup champ San Miguel which boasts of seven-time MVP June Mar Fajardo on March 17.