‘Consistent’ Baguio key in Alaska’s impressive start

Cyrus Baguio FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Every time Alaska needed a basket, Cyrus Baguio has delivered.

Baguio, who provided the buzzer-beating basket in the Aces’ 83-81 edge over Rain or Shine, came through anew to help Alaska propel to a 3-0 start.

“Cy has been the most consistent guy for us since the last conference,” said Alaska head coach Luigi Trillo on his athletic shooting guard, who was named the Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week (February 11-17). “He just plays. He is low maintenance and is very coachable.”

The former University of Santo Tomas standout had just 11 points in Alaska’s 77-73 win over Barako Bull Sunday night but three of the baskets came down the stretch, including a free throw that sealed his team’s win with 3.3 ticks left.

Baguio, an Iligan City native, tallied 16 points in the Aces’ 85-81 win last Wednesday over Meralco.

“People questioned his capability to play a deliberate half-court game but he has excelled in both the fastbreak and the halfcourt game,” added Trillo. “His turnovers (2.6 per game) are at an all-time low and that is a testament to the hard work he is putting in to embrace our system. What’s amazing is his willingness to take the hardest defensive task as well.”

What impresses Trillo more is that Baguio’s game continues to evolve even at 32.