Though not as dominant as before, Ricardo Ratliffe remains a force inside the paint for Magnolia in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup.
NorthPort import Kadeem Jack made things rough for Magnolia counterpart Ricardo Ratliffe in their duel in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
Jack looked hell-bent on taming Ratliffe from the get-go and actually did, limiting the latter to just 10 points and 13 rebounds as the Batang Pier jumped to a third straight win via a 107-103 decision over the Hotshots.
Kadeem Jack of NorthPort guards Magnolia's Ricardo Ratliffe in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup on Wednesday, Dec. 4. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Jack later praised Ratliffe both as a person and as a player.
[WATCH: NorthPort unstoppable with third straight win against Magnolia | PBA Highlights | OneSports.PH]
“I love the matchup. I love the guy. He’s a great person,” said Jack, who finished with 30 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
“He’s a great player. Honestly speaking, he’s doing what I want to do."
Jack added that he draws inspiration from the Korean naturalized player, who, at 35 years old, has showed no signs of slowing down.
“He’s at an age where people kind of think that 36, 35 is an age where you’re supposed to give it up. But he’s in great shape, you know what I mean?” the 32-year-old NorthPort reinforcement said.
“I was just telling him that ‘You inspire people like me to know that I can keep going.’”
[RELATED STORY: Ricardo Ratliffe makes good on promise to return, lifts Magnolia to 1st win vs Blackwater]
With the way the hulking Magnolia import, who also goes by his Korean name Ra Gun-Ah, is playing at his age, Jack wouldn’t be surprised to see him stamping his class until he reaches 40.
“And he’s talking about playing until 40. It looks like it’s possible,” he said.