When the opportunity knocks, you come rushing.
Next man up.
In the 2023 PBA Governors' Cup, James Laput averaged 2.2 points in 5 games for the Magnolia Hotshots. He played his best—and longest—game at 19 minutes and 21 seconds against the San Miguel Beermen, scoring 9 points on 4-for-9 shooting.
But, in the PBA On Tour, he's averaging nearly 30 minutes of play time in 3 games, and he's rewarding coach Chito Victolero's trust by helping the Hotshots win games—three straight to be exact.
Against the NLEX Road Warriors on Saturday, Laput submitted a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds, along with 4 assists and 2 steals in Magnolia's victory at the Star Arena in Baliwag, Bulacan.
It's actually Laput's second double-double of the preseason and, rightfully, he garnered his second Player of the Game honor.
"With our team and our mentality and our culture, whenever these things happen and people are injured, Coach Chito says next man up," Laput told One Sports' Carlo Pamintuan and Jolly Escobar.
It's actually pretty impressive that the Hotshots have gone 3-0 in the preseason despite the injury bug. Ian Sangalang, Calvin Abueva, and Russell Escoto still haven't seen minutes, along with Aris Dionisio and Rafi Reavis.
With the Hotshots down by eight at the half against the Road Warriors, Jackson Corpuz exploded for 12 points in the third quarter, leading a 30-point Hotshots barrage.
And it was a cold-blooded Jed Mendoza three at the 12-second mark which sealed the victory for Magnolia, 103-97.
"Guys like me, Jed, and Jackson, we don't see these minutes in the regular season," Laput said.
Corpuz averaged 1.1 points and 1.0 rebound in 11 games during the 2023 Governors' Cup. He's posting 11.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in in the PBA On Tour.
Jed Mendoza, meanwhile, is averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal per game in this preseason.
"We're making the most of this opportunity for the team," Laput added.
It was a particularly special recognition for the 26-year-old center, as Victolero gave him the first touch of the ball game—which led to Magnolia's first two points.
"Coach Chito is really a great players' coach. He sees me putting in the effort day in and day out," Laput said. "Thank you to Coach Chito. He gave me the touch and I delivered."
He's the first to admit, though, that he still has a lot to work on.
"Maybe a one-handed floater like Marc Pingris," Laput said on what he needs to add. "My whole game needs to elevate a lot more. I haven't proven anything."
He's going to get quite the acid test when Magnolia takes on Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, June 11, at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
But with the two other Js playing inspired ball, maybe Laput will rise to that challenge as well.
(MDB)