Grateful Miranda adds veteran presence for Blackwater

FILE — Denok Miranda’s last stint in the PBA. He now plays for Blackwater Elite. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Unwanted the past conference, Denok Miranda showed he can still be an asset after making a short yet solid contribution for Blackwater on Wednesday night.

Miranda, the 11-year veteran, collected five points, two rebounds and two assists with zero turnovers in only six minutes and 21 seconds in the Elite’s 105-90 loss to the Meralco Bolts.

Not too shabby for a player who didn’t see action in the league for the past six months.

“Na-miss ko yung takbo up and down, yung mga sumisigaw na tao, nagpapasalamat rin ako kala coach na nabigyan nila ako ng break, tsaka kay Boss Dioceldo Sy, siya yung kumuha sa akin, na bibigay yung best ko dito sa Blackwater, yun yung isusukli ko sa kanila,” said the former Far Eastern University star.

The 34-year-old Miranda was signed by Blackwater on Tuesday in lieu of rookie Almond Vosotros, who is currently training with the national team as part of the Gilas pool.

In joining a young team, Miranda is a key addition due to his experience and knowledge.

“Gina-guide ko rin yung mga batang point guard kasi nasa attack mode sila sa lahat, kinakalma ko muna sila para ma-set muna namin yung play namin kasi medyo pagpasok ko tiningnan ko muna kasi mga bata yan, gusto lahat magpakita, siyempre sa akin as a point guard ma-set mo yung teammate mo, yung spacing niyo ayos, syempre yung direction kung ano yung gusto ni coach sa loob.”

Miranda admitted he is not in tiptop shape due to the long basketball inactivity, but that didn’t keep him from giving all he could when he was fielded in early in the third quarter.

“Pagpasok ko kanina, talagang tinodo ko, seven minutes straight ata, kaso parang kinapos rin ako kaya ako nagpa-sub kay coach. Nagpapa-condition rin naman ako, takbo, weights, pero iba yung basketball, iba yung in basketball shape ang katawan.”

Miranda also shot 2-of-3 from the field and was a +7.

The Elite suffered their fourth straight setback and fifth overall to fall at the bottom of the standings.

But putting the woeful record aside, Miranda sees a bright future ahead of his new team with the core of upstarts and seasoned players.

“Malaki naman yung potential nila eh, basta makinig lang sila sa mga beterano, sa aming dalawa ni Mike, tsaka sa coaches, ang challenge lang, marami kaming gwardya. Binibigyan ni coach lahat ng oportunidad.”