Despite feeling some pain in his knee, Bong Quinto still emerged as Best Player of the Game in Meralco’s win against Rain or Shine Sunday night, Dec. 1.
Meralco coach Luigi Trillo confessed that he was a "big fan" of his charge Bong Quinto.
Trillo lauded Quinto's maturity and work ethic after the latter played on basically one leg in the Bolts’ 121-111 win over Rain or Shine in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, Dec. 1.
“Can’t say how proud of him. Big fan,” said Trillo of Quinto.
“Kasi nakita ko 'yung maturity niya. If you look at Bong, he’s durable. Since we drafted him, I don’t remember a game na absent siya. I don't remember a practice (na absent siya).”
[WATCH: Bong Quinto comes through for Meralco | PBA Highlights]
Since Meralco's come-from-behind opening win against Phoenix, the former Letran standout is experiencing some pain on his left knee.
But he soldiered on, knowing fully well that the Bolts are shorthanded to begin with as key players Allein Maliksi, Chris Banchero, CJ Cansino, Brandon Bates and Jolo Mendoza are nursing injuries.
Quinto was rewarded with 20 points, four rebounds and the same number of assists, earning him the Best Player of the Game nod.
Bong Quinto: ''Yung mindset ko, makatulong sa team hangga't makalaro'
Bong Quinto bucks knee pain in Meralco's match against Rain or Shine in in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, Dec. 1. | Photo (c) PBA
For Quinto, it was all about putting his team above himself.
“'Yung time na 'yun (Bolts' match against the Fuel Masters), natamaan ako. Thrice kasi natamaan (tuhod ko). Feeling ko, until now, nakaapekto kaya 'di ako makakilos,” bared Quinto.
“Kahit na ganoon, 'yung mindset ko, makatulong sa team hangga’t kayang makalaro. Hindi naman ito (knee pain) ganoon kaseryoso. Talagang gusto kong matulungan ang team namin para manalo kami.”
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Fortunately for Quinto, he will have plenty of time to recuperate as Meralco is not playing until Friday, Dec. 6.
The Bolts look to string together three straight victories when they square off against Terrafirma at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
Match starts at 5 p.m.