Big-time breakout by the rookie.
The future might be now for the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.
Coach Tim Cone gave a preview of what could be in the Gin Kings’ debut game against the Rain or Shine Elastopainters, starting Scottie Thompson, Jamie Malonzo, and Jeremiah Gray.
Thompson, of course, is the reigning MVP. Malonzo is a freak athlete beginning to tap into his immense potential. Gray, however, is the great unknown—that is, until now.
Gray, the second overall pick of the PBA Season 47 Draft, is showing he has the makings of a star, following up his solid debut on Sunday (7 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks) with arguably the best game of his young career. The 26-year-old Fil-Am exploded for a career-high 19 points on 5-for-7 shooting from deep, and added 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in his second consecutive career start.
“Miah is having a coming out party this conference. Last game I thought he was brilliant, and tonight he was even more brilliant. He’s starting to show what he can do,” said Cone of his prized rookie.
More importantly, Gray gave Justin Brownlee the endgame help he needed to complete Ginebra’s furious fourth quarter fight back to hand the NLEX Road Warriors their first loss this conference.
The Gin Kings fell behind by as much as 12, 88-100, in the payoff period and were still trailing, 101-108 when Gray took over. He hit a three to cut the NLEX lead to 104-108. He hit another triple to inch Ginebra to within 107-108. He hit a third trifecta with just 17 seconds left in to give Ginebra a 112-111 lead—one the Gin Kings never surrendered.
In all, Gray scored 9 of the Gin Kings’ final 13 points, seemingly showing he is finally ready for the big time. That's not to mention the defense he played on NLEX import Wayne Selden Jr., who had scored 43 huge points to that point.
“We all knew how good he was ‘cause we see him every day in practice,” Cone added. “I think he just needed to develop the confidence of coming out there, and I think starting him in the last two games has given that confidence boost…”
Now, PBA fans are starting to finally see what Cone and the Gin Kings see every single day.