Rey Nambatac’s game winning shot vs Phoenix. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rey Nambatac was given a reward and a challenge before the start of the 2021 PBA Governors’ Cup.
Rain or Shine gave Nambatac, the 2017 seventh overall pick, a three-year maximum extension a deal that netted him a monthly salary of P420,000 but his head coach Chris Gavina knows such contracts bring about certain expectations.
Nambatac has, so far, proven that he fully deserved his new contract as he led the Elasto Painters to a 2-1 record including a close 90-88 win over Phoenix on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“He deserves that credit. With that max extension, he is just matching his actions now,” said Gavina.
“As an organization, we are really happy with a guy who has that mindset that feels like to reward the people who has given him trust
Nambatac was instrumental in the final minute for the Elasto Painters giving them an 89-88 lead off a three-point play.
He then swiped the ball away from Chris Banchero to ice the game for Rain or Shine.
Gavina said that apart from Nambatac’s play, it’s the attitude of the 27-year-old guard that endears him not only his teammates but also to the front office.
“What’s great about Rey is that he doesn’t have a sense of entitlement,” said Gavina. “Every single day in practice, he brings the mentality that he has to prove something to not just himself but his teammates and the coaching staff.”