Playing like a veteran, Daquioag continues to shine for Meralco

MANILA, Philippines — In a battle of sister teams in the PBA, it was an unrefined gem that shined the most.

Proving he belongs in the league of grown men, Ed Daquiaog reprised his career-best scoring output in the game against perennial contenders TNT KaTropa.

Going against a club that fields champion cagers and former national team player, the rookie out of Universtiy of Santo Tomas held his own. For 25 minutes of action, he shot 23 points, hauled four boards, stole the ball twice, and even assisted on a basket.

“We had a very balanced attack today,” head coach Norman Black said of his new recruit. “A lot of people contributed (in scoring), but once again Ed Daquioag really stepped up quickly in the fourth (quarter).”

Daquioag drilled 10 of his buckets in the payoff period to help the Bolts fend off a run sparked by KaTropa’s Troy Rosario and another freshman in Roger Pogoy.

“Doon kasi matetest kasi yung character natin as a player,” the youngster said of his performance. “Siyempre end-game na ‘yun. Kumbaga, ‘yung A-game, doon mo na ilalabas.”

“He’s a rookie but he doesn’t play like a rookie. He’s a smart kid to go along with the fact that he’s very talented,” Black added.

Even TNT’s prized veteran Jayson Castro gave props to the newcomer.

“Kita naman yung potential. May outside, inside (game), at ‘yung basketball IQ nandun — malawak yung basketball IQ niya,” he said of Daquioag.

It was also against a MVP team where the 6-foot-1 guard registered his other stellar game. In his second game of his career,  Daquioag scattered 23 against the NLEX Road Warriors to go with also four rebounds, and three assists.

“Kailangan lang talaga manalo para maboost yung confidence namin for the next game,” he said. “Ginagawa ko lang ‘yung laro ko, kung ano lang matutulong ko sa kanila.”