PBA: Amid stellar run for Barako Bull, RR Garcia still seeking to improve

 

Barako Bull has been on a hot run, winning four of its last five games after opening the 2015 Philippine Cup with five straight defeats.

 

A key part of that run has been the play of sophomore guard RR Garcia, who has averaged 15.8 points in those wins.

 

But the former Far Eastern University stalwart is far from satisfied with his performance during his first conference with Barako.

 

“Hindi pa naman ako kuntento kasi kailangan ko pang mag-improve,” said Garcia on Wednesday after his team survived an endgame rally from NLEX thanks to his clutch baskets and defense. “Marami pa akong pagtatrabahuhan kasi kailangan kong umakyat pa e.”

 

Garcia made crucial plays in the dying seconds against the Road Warriors, draining a jumper with 28 seconds left to push Barako's lead to five, 86-81, before forcing a turnover on Mac Cardona with nine seconds on the clock to shut the door on NLEX.

 

“Sayang 'yung pinaghirapan namin tapos matatalo kami. Sabi ni Coach (Koy Banal) bigay na lahat. Kaya 'yun, 'yun 'yung resulta na napakita namin,” said Garcia, who scored 22 points, when asked about his mindset during clutch time.

 

Despite his stellar showing, the soft-spoken Garcia credited his teammates for their victory. He also said that Barako veterans Mick Pennisi and Denok Miranda has been guiding him, telling him to be more vocal as one of the leaders inside the court despite his young age.

 

“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga teammates ko. S'yempre hindi lang naman ako 'yung natatrabaho diyan, halos lahat kami. Kasi kung ako lang mag-isa hindi ko kakayanin 'yun e,” said Garcia, who was traded to Barako by GlobalPort in the offseason. — JST, GMA News