Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Rafi Reavis, one of the oldest active players in the PBA, may have a lot of mileage under his belt but he still has a lot of gas left in the tank.
The 41-year-old Reavis out-hustled and outwitted his much younger Rain or Shine counterparts in the grandiose Game 7 of the semifinals to lead Magnolia back to the Philippine Cup finals.
Reavis had his fingerprints all over Game 7 with eight points, 20 rebounds and three blocks.
“It’s just about effort. It’s gonna boil down to who wanted it more, so those are all effort plays the rebounds, the hustle points,” he told reporters after the Hotshots’ 63-60 win in overtime Sunday night at Mall of Asia Arena.
“There’s nothing glorious about it. It’s all about who’s gonna do the dirty work better, that’s what this series was about and that’s what it came down to. It’s just the dirty work and that’s what I’m known for doing.”
Reavis’ performance wasn’t the first time he’s had a crucial impact in the series after also coming up big in the pivotal Game 5 four nights ago where he wound up with nine points, 12 rebounds and a block in an 82-74 victory.
The 6-foot-8 beanpole, who is in his 18th PBA season, has no plans of slowing down just yet especially with the Hotshots heading into an All-Filipino title showdown with defending champion San Miguel Beer for the second straight year.
The Beermen disposed of the Hotshots in last year’s finals, needing only five games to win their fourth consecutive Philippine Cup crown.
This time, however, Reavis believes Magnolia will be coming in more prepared.
“Anytime you reach this stage, you feel like you’re equipped. You don’t make it this far without the right pieces. For sure we feel more equipped to win this series,” he said.
Game 1 tips off Wednesday night but Reavis’ work isn’t done yet even after a grueling seven-game semifinals series.
When asked what his secret to staying healthy is, Reavis said he’s heading right to the gym to do “extra work.”
“You guys know that, I have a lot left in the tank. I’m just trying to keep up with the young guys, I’m still having fun,” he said.
“I really enjoy playing with this group of guys and I’m fortunate to have a management that really stands behind me and believes in me. I have a lot left.”