Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Meralco pushed Barangay Ginebra to its limit in last year’s Governors’ Cup Finals and it took a buzzer-beating triple by Justin Brownlee in Game 6 to finally put away the Bolts.
It was a series that saw five games decided by five points or less considering it also marked the first time Meralco had been in the finals since entering the league in 2010.
And with added experience, guard Baser Amer believes Meralco is armed with more tools in its finals rematch with Ginebra
READ: After frustrating him in NCAA, Thompson looks to turn tables on Amer
“It was our first time in the finals last year. We had no experience then,” said Amer in Filipino. “Now we’re back in the finals and this time, we know how it feels like to play in the finals.”
The 25-year-old Amer has established himself as a fast-rising star in the league in only his third season and his breakout year could also be attributed to his finals experience.
His stellar play hasn’t gone unnoticed with even the Gin Kings are fully aware of the former San Beda star’s exploits.
“Baser is playing really well. Meralco has been successful because of him,” said Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson.
READ: Amer’s breakout conference earns him Gilas nod
“He’s playing like a veteran,” said Ginebra playmaker LA Tenorio.
Meralco coach Norman Black also spoke highly of Amer.
“Baser Amer’s improvement this year has just been extraordinary. Starting the second conference on he’s probably, arguably been our best player, one of our best players,” Black said.
“He had taken control of the team, he is the quarterback of the team and there are no areas where he can’t improve.”
READ: Tasked to guide the Bolts, Amer drops 31 in crucial game
Black said Amer is a totally different player today than he was as a backup to Jimmy Alapag.
Amer will be tested anew against Ginebra’s slew of guards with LA Tenorio, Scottie Thompson and Sol Mercado.
Game 1 is on Friday night at Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.