MANILA, Philippines–Tim Cone called Alaska’s title conquest in game six of the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference against San Miguel a collective effort. From that united stand, though, Cyrus Baguio clearly stood out.
“There were a lot of pieces, and Cyrus I think was a fraction of the potential of our team,” beamed Cone.
Baguio, a former UST standout dubbed “Skyrus” for his aerial antics, was just an early season acquisition from Ginebra in exchange for two-time MVP Willie Miller in a trade were many saw as one-sided in favor of the Gin Kings.
But in a performance that shattered popular belief, the six-foot-two swingman made an early statement in his first game donning an Alaska uniform as he fueled a late comeback to bury his former team Ginebra back in the elimination round.
And the flashy guard did not stop there as he continued his stellar play up to the Finals where he keyed Alaska’s Disney-like run toward its 13th title.
Averaging a decent 13.2 points per game in the first five games of the best-of-seven championship series against a star-studded San Miguel squad, the six-foot-two Baguio upped his game even more in the clincher as he unloaded 10 of his 24 points in the pivotal first quarter.
“It’s a nice feeling because it’s been quite some time (since I last won a championship). We did everything we can and I thank Coach Tim that he trusted me,” said Baguio, a 14th overall pick by Red Bull back in 2003, in Filipino.
The 30-year-old seven-year pro was named co-Finals MVP of the series, a plaque that validated Baguio’s brilliance during this season where he also received the PBA Sportsmanship award.
Cone, though, admits he isn’t blinded by Baguio’s spell-binding moves and shot-making abilities, saying his prized ward still has a lot to learn.
“He’s still not running the triangle efficiently; he’s still not doing the little things like using screens properly. He’s basically playing off his tremendous athleticism and that has carried him,” said Cone.
And when his mastery of the things Cone wants to teach him merges with his attitude and skill set, Baguio is headed for greater heights.
“Well, no pun intended but sky is the limit,” declared Cone. “I mean ‘Skyrus’ is the limit.”
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