Since retiring from the PBA five years ago, Nic Belasco already held corporate jobs and also dabbled in coaching.
But the lure of playing again proved too hard to resist for the 45-year-old, eight-time PBA champion, who cracked the lineup of Pasig-Sta. Lucia at the start of the MPBL Lakan Season.
It may have taken a handful of games, but Belasco showed he can still make an impact not just with his size but also with his fine shooting touch.
Rediscovering his stroke, Belasco nailed four treys as the Realtors whipped the Parañaque Patriots, 100-87, on Saturday night for their fifth straight victory at Hoops Dome in Lapu-Lapu City.
“It’s been awhile since I had that kind of game,” said Belasco, whose output helped the Realtors establish the league’s record with 21 three-pointers.
“I’ve always wanted to play and they wanted a big man with experience so I decided to join the team. I’ve always wanted to share my experience and teach the young guys.”
Belasco wasn’t alone in torching the Patriots as Jeric Teng had another sensational performance with nine treys on his way to 30 points, while Argel Mendoza knocked in a career-best 28 points, on six triples.
Later, Cebu completed a grand homecoming with a 79-62 walloping of the Muntinlupa Cagers that snapped a two-game slide.
The Sharks leaned on a big game from hometown hero Patrick Cabahug, who scattered 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
Raffy Octobre finished with nine points and 12 boards for the Sharks, who held the Cagers to just eight points in the third to for a 4-5 record.