Smart's Silva on serious demeanor: That's how we play in Cuba

MANILA, Philippines – When Gyselle Silva unleashed a 40-point explosion for Smart in the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga Grand Prix last Tuesday, sideliners were impressed, prompting them to declare that she’s one of the best imports ever to play in the country.

But they noticed one thing: She hardly shows any emotion.

Giga Hitters’ head coach Ronald Dulay confirmed that the Cuban sensation doesn’t flash a smile whenever she’s does something spectacular on the court.

Even after making a booming hit or a resounding block, she still wears her game face on and doesn’t like to be distracted by her celebrating teammates.

“She said that’s how things go in Cuba,” said Dulay following their four-set loss to Sta. Lucia.

“Your coach will call you out if you smile or celebrate after a big play. For them, it’s a sign of lack of focus. You always have to concentrate and put your game face on until the match is over.”

But Silva’s numbers are worth celebrating.

In her debut game against Cocolife, she fired 33 points followed by another 33-point performance against Cignal.

She, however, was slowed down by Petron as she was limited to 23 points before bouncing back with another 33-hit output against two-time champion Foton.

Her lowest output, however, was against the tough-defending F2 Logistics with 17 points. Interestingly, the Cargo Movers allowed Sara Klisura to dominate with a league-record 41 points in the Grand Prix last year.

Her sluggish offensive performance against the Cargo Movers —at least to her standard —was quickly buried by a 35-point performance against Generika-Ayala before exploding for a season-high 39 points against the Lady Realtors.

“And she did it against the defense of Marisa Field, one of the best blockers in Canada,” said Dulay.

“Unfortunately, she didn’t know that she already has 40 points. She could have easily broken Klisura’s record of 41 points. Sayang!”

Dulay said they are now used to Silva’s poker-faced approach to the game.

It doesn’t matter.

After all, she’s just letting her game do the talking — and the smiling as well.