PBA: Magnolia turns to ‘lucky’ veteran Rafi Reavis

Magnolia Hotshots’ Rafi Reavis in the PBA Philippine Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—In Magnolia’s quest to bounce back from one of the franchise’s worst losses in recent history, the Hotshots turned to one of their long-time veterans in Rafi Reavis.

Fortunately for Magnolia, this came at the time when Reavis just felt “lucky.”

“I just got lucky, really. If I’m open in some spots then I try to make the best of that and take advantage of what I could see at the time,” said Reavis after his squad’s 108-100 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup at Philsports Arena on Friday.

READ: PBA: Magnolia beats Terrrafirma clinch quarterfinals berth

“If you follow me over the years, you know I don’t really care about points, if one of my teammates scores, we all score so I’m just trying to play with a sense of urgency and be a leader for my team, on and off the court.”

For the first time in a long while, Reavis was rewarded with Best Player of the Game honors for fueling Magnolia to a playoff-clinching 6-4 record.

Magnolia’s Rafi Reavis and coach Chito Victolero after the win. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/OiJsJsgHwY

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The veteran big man recorded a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds in the last game of the Hotshots’ elimination round, much to the delight of coach Chito Victolero.

“He’s a big factor for us not only on the court but also outside… We talked about being consistent with everything and he’s the one taking care of that, talking to the players. I even want him to be my coach for the players,” said the mentor.

READ: Old timer Rafi Reavis has no plans of slowing down

After 11 grueling games, the Hotshots are locked in for the playoffs and Reavis—as the veteran that he is—knows the squad has to prepare even more for the postseason.

“It’s playoff-time. All the teams are leveling up right now and it’s just time to battle. Playoffs are a different atmosphere than eliminations. Preparations are always key. We just have to be more attentive to detail and be ready for whatever’s thrown at us.”