Ben Adamos tries to get away from the defense of Paul Varilla. PBA IMAGES
Sparingly used for the length of the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup, Ben Adamos finally got his break in Game 2 of Cignal-San Beda’s semifinals matchup against Tanduay on Thursday.
Coach Boyet Fernandez unearthed the hardworking big man to aid the Hawkeyes’ frontline, which got thoroughly outplayed in Game 1 as the Rhum Masters eviscerated the boards, 47-36, two days back.
And to the mentor’s delight, Adamos did provide the help he was badly looking for as Cignal outlasted Tanduay. 89-86, to equalize the series on Thursday and force a do-or-die Game 3 on Tuesday.
“I’m happy with Adamos’ game. He didn’t get much playing time this conference, but he matched up well with Tanduay’s bigs,” said Fernandez.
On Adamos’ part, though, his job isn’t different from the role he did for the Red Lions back in NCAA Season 92, where he filled the role admirably following San Beda center Donald Tankoua’s season-ending ACL injury.
“I did what was needed from me on the court. I helped my teammates and I’m surprised with the numbers I got,” he said in Filipino, after finishing with 13 points and 13 rebounds in his 26 minutes on the floor.
It was a stark comparison to his averages in the past 10 games, logging only 11.3 minutes on the floor and netting 3.2 points and 3.5 rebounds.
Still, Adamos’ performance speaks of the quality of the San Beda program, with seldom-used players willingly stepping up when their numbers get called.
“Last few games, I get little playing time so when coach Boyet called me and gave me the chance, I just gave it my all,” he said.
Adamos’ focus now shifts to Game 3, where he expects the same load as he pairs with undersized big men Jason Perkins, Mark Bringas, and Alfred Batino to help the Hawkeyes advance to the Finals.
“I’ll prepare harder for Tuesday so that we’ll get the win,” he said.