Beau Belga has nothing but love—and veteran advice—for Shawn Umali after their first PBA clash

Beau Belga has been familiar with Shawn Umali’s game, having seen him up close while working as a commentator in the NCAA, where the latter built a reputation as one of the league’s premier bigs.

Umali suited up for Lyceum of the Philippines University for three years but transferred to De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, where he played for just one year in Season 101 before making the leap to the PBA.

Now on the same stage, Belga and Umali faced off for the first time last Wednesday when Rain or Shine and Terrafirma battled it out in the Season 50 Commissioner's Cup.

"We know each other kasi I’ve been covering him sa NCAA, nu’ng nasa Lyceum pa siya and sa Benilde. We’re okay. We’re friends," Belga said.

"Anything that can help his career, I’ll be happy to help."

The 25-year-old Umali was unfazed taking on the 39-year-old Belga. 

The former NCAA Most Improved Player made his presence felt after burying a triple early in the second period before going one-on-one against Belga to sink a tough layup and give the Dyip a slim 34-30 lead.

But Belga quickly responded, firing a three-pointer over the extended arm of Umali to cut the deficit. Rain or Shine eventually picked up the victory after fending off Terrafirma, 124-117, behind a record-tying 22 triples.

Despite their brief matchup, Belga said he saw glimpses of his younger self in Umali, while stressing he doesn’t put much premium on their head-to-head.

“Darating at darating naman ‘yun. Wala, bata pa naman ‘yun. Eh ako halos pa-retiro na ako. I’m just gonna wish the guy a better career kasi maraming magsasabi sa’yo ‘pag gano’n na katawan mo, hindi ka magtatagal sa liga," Belga said. 

"Pero sa tingin ko, napatunayan ko naman ‘yun. I’ve been in the league for 17 years with this type of body so sana magtagal siya."

Belga now hopes to see Umali enjoy a long PBA career, noting that he entered the league in 2008 with a much bigger frame but has since taken better care of his health to sustain his longevity.

"Mas mataba pa ako do’n [nu’ng ganon’g age], way, way back nu’ng nagsisimula pa lang ako, halos magkasabay kami ni (JR) Quiñahan," Belga said. 

"I hope so. I can’t say on his behalf kasi hindi naman ako ‘yung may katawan e, hindi ko alam ko paano niya i-manage ‘yung katawan niya or kung paano niya dalhin ‘yung sarili niya sa professional level kasi ayun ‘yun puhunan namin e. Advantage niya is mabigat na siya, hefty siya, tapos mabilis siya. You just need to manage kung ano man ‘yung meron ka."

—JKC, GMA News