PBA On Tour gives shock troopers time to shine

MANILA, Philippines — With the big guns from different teams sitting it out, the PBA On Tour has become the venue for shock troopers, relievers, 3x3 aces and prospective draftees and signees to prove their worth.

And one of those who have gratefully welcomed the extended minutes and exposure is Rodney Brondial, San Miguel Beer’s backup big man.

Brondial is making the most of his opportunity in the absence of six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo and other SMB stars in the pre-season tournament. As a starter last Saturday, he delivered a Fajardo-like 21 rebounds and 18 points in the Beermen’s 87-75 romp over NorthPort  en route to Player of the Game honors.

“Ito ang chance natin na makapaglaro kaya dapat magpakita,” said the hardworking frontliner out of Adamson.

“Kapag may pagkakataon, binibigay ko talaga ang best ko at gusto ko ipakita kung ano’ng kaya kong gawin at matulungan ko ang team ko na manalo,” he added.

Brondial banged in 11 in the third period to help SMB restore a double-digit spread after seeing its initial 24-point advantage trimmed to just five.

Jericho Cruz joined Brondial in that 29-20 quarter for the Beermen and finished with a game-high 22. Terrence Romeo added 14 as Jorge Gallent’s troops rebounded from their 101-106 defeat to Phoenix in their opening assignment last Wednesday.

Former SMB player Paul Zamar fired 20, including 12 in the fourth, to pace the Batang Pier, who have lost two in a row after an earlier 89-97 setback to Meralco.