Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Beau Belga has been putting up quite the numbers for Rain or Shine in the PBA Philippine Cup and coach Yeng Guiao is certainly taking notice.
After the Elasto Painters’ 120-104 victory over NLEX at Philsports Arena on Friday, Guiao tipped his hat to Belga, who’s been playing some of the best basketball in his 16-year career.
“Baka late maturing lang si Beau,” said Guiao in jest.
“But maybe it’s just a reflection of what you invest in. He invests in his fatigue, going all out in practice and his leadership is always there.”
READ: PBA: Rain or Shine locks up quarterfinals seat after rout of NLEX
Belga scored a team-high 18 points on Friday with four assists, two rebounds and a block to match.
His heroics put the finishing touches to the Elasto Painters’ elimination round while helping them to a playoff spot with a 6-5 record.
But while Belga was productive in the victory, Guiao said that he’s still weary of the big man’s knack for fouling.
“Earlier, I got mad at him. I told him, ‘Beau, I think you’re the hungriest man for fouls in the PBA.’ If you have three or four fouls, you can’t help out your team. But he fouled twice,” said Guiao.
“I got mad but Beau knows me. He doesn’t throw tantrums or anything. What’s important is, I get my point across to him. Since then, he has only fouled once. I don’t know how much he’ll do in the following games.”
The 37-year-old Belga is averaging 17.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game this conference.