MANILA, Philippines – Meralco coach Norman Black was the least surprised by Reynel Hugnatan’s big explosion in Game Three of their PBA Governors’ Cup Finals series against Ginebra, saying he just reprised the role he played in the finals last year.
Before Ranidel de Ocampo’s fall, Hugnatan was relegated to being the reliever to Allen Durham.
“So his playing time was limited not just in this series but the series before this. But with Ranidel going out, obviously he has to step up and play the position that Ranidel occupies,” said Black.
“He’s accustomed to doing that. He did a great job spacing the floor (in Game Three) just like the way he did in last year’s playoffs,” Black added.
Though confined to being a substitute, this former University of Manila Hawk’s confidence hasn’t waned.
“If they leave me open, I’ll surely take a shot,” said Hugnatan.