Adrian Nocum and the rest of No. 2 Rain or Shine could not capitalize on their twice-to-beat advantage as they exited against Meralco in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
After semifinal appearances last season, Rain or Shine made an early exit this time around.
The Elasto Painters wasted a twice-to-beat advantage against Meralco to crash out of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.
Adrian Nocum could not help but feel dejected.
“Hindi pa para samin ‘to. Dinala kami sa ganitong sitwasyon pero talo,” said Nocum after RoS' 89-98 loss to Meralco last Dec. 29.
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But as always, there is gain in defeat, especially for a young squad raring for a championship.
“Sana next conference, itong pagkakataong ‘to, marami kaming natutunan. May dahilan, eh. May dahilan 'yong mga nangyaring 'to,” he added.
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There is no question that Nocum has become one of the go-to guys for Rain or Shine.
But while he makes the big plays when it matters most, Nocum knows that he still needs to improve, particularly on his defense.
“Kailangang pagtrabahuan 'yong mga ganoong sitwasyon,” Nocum said.
“Sa defense kasi, last minute, ako na rin 'yong inaatake. So kailangan, next conference, mas maging mabuti pa.”
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.