PBA: Eman Monfort out to prove 'Never Say Die' spirit is still alive for Ginebra

Eman Monfort scored only nine points in Barangay Ginebra's victory over Purefoods on Sunday, but the pint-sized guard was still hailed as the Player of the Game.

One of the shortest players in the league standing at 5-foot-7, the former Blue Eagle was well-loved by the Ginebra faithful especially during rebound plays.

He grabbed seven boards despite his height disadvantage and had an all-around good game with five assists, three steals, and zero turnovers.

"I'm just helping the team to win. Gusto ko lang manalo. It's just giving my all and Never-Say-Die nga talaga," he said about his motivations.

With the Kings' past heartbreaks, the "Never Say Die" mantra they own seemed to have been coveted by Alaska after the Aces' inspiring run in the Philippine Cup.

It has been a while since a Ginebra player invoked their famous battle cry, and perhaps Monfort is the perfect guy to do so with his solid performance despite his meager size in a sport where it pays to be tall.

"It's not making the plays, 'yung mga hustle plays mismo, 'yung energy na binibigay ko," he said of his contributions to the team. "Kasi it's a team game, kailangan may mga roles e."

The 25-year-old Monfort is part of the long guard rotation of Ginebra which boasts of LA Tenorio, Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa, Joseph Yeo, and Josh Urbiztondo- all competing for playing minutes in the back court.

Despite being the youngest, he has landed a position among the starters for three games now in the Commissioners' Cup, slowly earning the trust of head coach Ato Agustin.

"Just being patient, waiting for your opportunity, working hard sa practice," he said of his attitude towards his position. "Dadating din sa 'yo 'yun e. Just wait for your time." - RAF, GMA News