Jeremiah Gray. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Several heroes stepped up big in Barangay Ginebra’s comeback win over Rain or Shine in the PBA on Tour at Ynares Sports Center, Pasig, on Sunday.
Jayson David hit the finishing touches in the victory, Von Pessumal recorded a game-high 29 points but assistant coach Richard Del Rosario made sure not to leave Jeremiah Gray unnoticed.
Gray, who is stepping up in the guard position in the absence of Stanley Pringle, Scottie Thompson and LA Tenorio, did a little bit of everything in the Gin Kings’ 108-107 victory over the Elasto Painters
Gray shone a near triple-double effort, collecting 19 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists.
“Miah, especially at the start of On Tour, people were just looking at his numbers in terms of scoring but I told him, you should do more stuff other than scoring, which is rebounding, block shots, etc.,” said Del Rosario.
Gray made his presence felt on both ends of the floor as he also registered two steals and a block.
His rebounding, playmaking and defense more than made up for his 6-of-16 shooting from the field.
Known for his shooting touch, Gray is being developed by Ginebra to be a complete player that he is certainly capable of becoming.
“We’re trying to develop his complete game. His role in the regular season is different here, now. He’s our go-to guy, he’s not just tasked to score but also to really be a presence in the defensive end,” Del Rosario said.
“We can switch him more in the defensive end and we’re also trying to develop his post game so at least we’re slowly achieving that.”
As Ginebra’s focal point in the preseason, Gray is averaging 13.6 points, 8.2 boards and 4.2 assists a night.