Rookie Brandon Bates made his presence felt in the paint for Meralco against Ginebra in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo had nothing but praise for rookie Brandon Bates after the Bolts finished off Ginebra, 78-69, in the deciding Game Seven of PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup semifinals Friday night, May 31.
Bates held his own against the Gin Kings twin towers Christian Standhardinger and Japeth Aguilar in the latest installment of the playoff rivalry, helping Meralco prevail for the second time in a row in eight tries and earn a shot at unseating defending champion San Miguel.
While Chris Banchero and Chris Newsome anchored Meralco's offense Friday, Bates took charge on the defensive end, swatting six blocks and collaring 13 rebounds.
“Coach Nenad (Vucinic) said some things in the dugout, and I think Brandon responded very well,” said Trillo.
“I said it before the series: Brandon will be big for us. Because Raymond (Almazan) is doing his share, Kyle (Pascual) is doing his share, Norbert (Torres) [also]. I’m sure these guys appreciate the things that Brandon does.”
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Trillo could not help but compare him to his former player in Alaska, Sonny Thoss.
“He reminds me of a young Sonny Thoss where he does the dirty work,” said Trillo.
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Bates, the eighth overall pick in last year's draft, does things that do not reflect on the stat sheet, and that is exactly what Trillo loves about his prized ward.
The seasoned mentor is confident that Bates would continue to deliver as the Bolts head into the finals against the June Mar Fajardo-led Beermen.
Brandon Bates in action during Meralco's Game Six semifinal skirmish against Ginebra last Wednesday, May 29 | File photo (c) PBA
“He is going be huge in the next series. You’re playing probably the best player ever in June Mar,” said Trillo.
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“We know what they are capable of, but we’re also confident in our guys. We believe in our guys. We have a deep team as well, character guys. It’s going to be a good series," he added.