PBA: Mental toughness key for Mixers, says Melton

Justin Melton, San Mig Super Coffee Mixers' speedy rookie, says that mental preparation is the key to winning against the Rain or Shien Elasto Painters.

"Being mentally prepared is the main thing right now," Melton told GMA News Online. "Doing the little things, getting back on defense, boxing out, all the little things it takes to win a game."

With only one day of training before game one of the Finals, Melton added that San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone didn't demand a lot in practice on Thursday.
 
"It was pretty light today [Thursday]. It's a little different than our usual preparation," added Melton. "Ginebra's such a different team from Rain or Shine. We're just gonna go out and play it out."

Melton has been a revelation for the Mixers. The former Gilas cadet ran rings around the Ginebra backcourt, complementing Mark Barroca’s push-the-ball attitude while providing sticky defense at the other end. He attributes his steady showing to both his coaches and fellow point guards.

"I think my coaching staff has a lot to do with it, just being encouraging and patient," Melton said. "And also my teammates, especially Mark Barroca and Lester Alvarez, have been a huge help in making me comfortable."

Melton also shared that as much as Tim Cone is known for being a cerebral and systemic coach, part of San Mig Coffee's success can be attributed to their mentor allowing them to play the game.

"Coach Cone didn't say much prior to the game [game seven],” said Melton. "He said that it was a player's game.  Game seven's always a player's game. You make all your adjustments in games three, four and five then come to games 6 and 7 those are player's games."

The point guard also had praises for his big men, including fellow rookie Ian Sangalang.

"A lot of players played big [in game seven] but Ian was sprinting up and down the floor, getting buckets," Melton added. "Rafi [Reavis] starting us off strong, getting rebounds. They did all the little things that needed to be done." - AMD, GMA News