Cardona makes mark again as Player of the Week

Mark "Macmac" Cardona proved — yet again — every bit the explosive player that he is, being the unanimous choice as the PBA Press Corps' ACCEL-Talk 'N' Text Player of the Week for the period covering June 25 to July 1. According to a press corps statement Monday, it was the second straight and seventh such citation — the most among all players — this season for the 6-foot-1 guard. Talk 'N' coach Derrick Pumaren attributed it all to Cardona's making a mockery of the Red Bull defense in their best-of-seven semifinals duel. With Cardona leading the way, the Phone Pals wrapped up the series, 4-2, and advanced to another race-to-four meeting with the Alaska Aces for the championship. "He has simply killed the defense," Pumaren said of the former De La Salle standout whose variety of hooks, floaters, and jumpers shredded the defense and led to astonishing numbers in the week that was, including a career game. Even Cardona himself was dumbfounded at the 29.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.6 steals he averaged in Talk 'N' Text's three games. He also made 32.5 points in his team's 112-111 and 122-110 wins that wrapped up the series. "Hindi ako makapaniwala," the 25-year-old Mandaluyong native said. "Hindi ko ini-expect na ganu'n ang lalaruin ko. I just focused and ayun, okey naman naging resulta." It is more of his team reaching the finals that gives him the greater pleasure, however. "I always try to do my best, pero not for personal gain. Gusto ko rin siyempre na 'yung team namin ma-achieve 'yung ultimate goal, which is maging champion," he said. Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao had ample reason to feel optimistic opening up the week by holding Cardona down to "just" 20 points in a 111-104 win last Wednesday. But whatever "defensive management" the Bulls did on Cardona was only short-lived. Just two days later, Cardona racked up 30 points and followed that up with a new career-high 38 points in the clincher last Sunday, marking the third time in seven games that he reset his own mark and the fourth time in seven games he scored 30 or more. Pumaren now wants to talk at those who opined Cardona will not make it in the PBA, while himself wondering what is in store for "Captain Hook." "Marami ang nagsasabi na he couldn't make it in the PBA and he has proven them wrong," Pumaren noted. "He has already blossomed in this, not even his second year in the league." Cardona has far more urgent thoughts on his mind. "Hindi pa tapos ang trabaho. Kailangan munang mag-focus ulit, for the championship." - GMANews.TV