Barako Bull’s Yeo extra motivated against former team Ginebra

Joseph Yeo. PBA IMAGES

Barako Bull guard Joseph Yeo said he has nothing against his former team Barangay Ginebra for trading him before the start of the 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup.

Yeo was a key contributor for the Kings but following a coaching change at the end of the Commissioner’s Cup, he was sent to the Energy in exchange for Sol Mercado.

READ: PBA: Ginebra pulls away, beats Barako Bull to stay in playoff hunt

“Actually, I have nothing against them,” said Yeo. “I was even talking to some of my teammates before and earlier, nothing against them. I don’t hold any grudges against coach Al (Chua).”

What Yeo has, though, is that “extra” fire when playing against the popular team in the league.

“Extra motivation every time you play against Ginebra. I think every player playing against Ginebra have that. Teams are pumped up because there’s a huge crowd but I don’t have any grudges.”

Yeo has emerged as Barako Bull’s best local player averaging nearly 15 points and 5 assists per game. On Wednesday night against the Kings, Yeo got hot early with 16 points in the first half but turned cold the rest of the way with just two points in the final two quarters.

The former De La Salle standout also had four rebounds and seven assists but committed five turnovers as the Kings collapsed on him en route to a 120-98 win.

Yeo said after the game that Ginebra’s small lineup consisting of its second group led by Rodney Brondial and Emman Monfort with the exception of Mercado caught Barako Bull off guard.

“We got tired. I think they wanted to win more than we did because their backs are against the wall.” CFC