40-year-old Menk relishes Best Player honor in Alaska win over Blackwater

Eric Menk had had 14 points and 13 rebounds as the Alaska Aces beat Blackwater to protect its untarnished record in the eliminations.

It has been a while since the former PBA Most Valuable Player, who turned 40 this year, showed a glimpse of his former self and he obviously relished the opportunity.

"I think last year I had a few double-doubles but it's been years since I've been Player of the Game," Menk said. "It's a long time."

Menk averaged just 4.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season with GlobalPort before being acquired by Alaska in a trade.

"I'm very thankful that Alaska traded for me, that Alaska saw something in me to trade for me," he said.

The former national team member saw extended minutes with Sonny Thoss sitting out due to a foot injury.

"I'm another big guy so with Gabby (Espinas) being injured and Sonny being injured, just gonna try to do the best that I can."

Menk said he is enjoying playing with the Aces, especially having Calvin Abueva as a teammate.

"He really does all the work for me," he said of Abueva. "It takes two guys to contain him so I'm free a lot down there."

"Him and JVee (Casio), they do most of the work. I'm just picking up the scraps," he added. - RAF, GMA News