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In his 13 years in the PBA, Cyrus Baguio has done pretty much everything a player can do.
He has three titles, one finals MVP, and eight All Star nods to his honor, but the former national team player has to prove himself once more in his new team.
Baguio was dealt to Phoenix Fuel Masters Wednesday but even the veteran gunner has to start from scratch under the team’s new coach Ariel Vanguardia.
“He has something to prove kasi his minutes are depleting na rin with Alaska, here he’s got a new beginning,” said Vanguardia Thursday after the team’s practice at Green Meadows Clubhouse.
Baguio’s playing time with the Aces had steadily declined in his six years with the team, starting in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 33.21 minutes per game to 23.96 in the first two conferences of the 2015-2016 season.
“Lahat dito start from scratch, pati coaching staff,” said Vanguardia.
Vanguardia is also a newcomer to the franchise as he replaces long-time coach Koy Banal.
Baguio had his first run with the team on Thursday but he left early for a meeting with Alaska owner Wilfred Uytengsu.
What Vanguardia can get from Baguio is the veteran’s savvy come winning time.
“He’s a proven winner and a veteran,” said Vanguardia. “He gives us additional options especially in the end game, we can go to him.”
“Hindi na kami mamomroblema who would we go to in the end game.”