Proud laking Tondo: Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Adrian Nocum and Blackwater Bossing’s RK Ilagan now plying their commerce within the PBA. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine and Blackwater’s conflict within the PBA Philippine Cup featured extra than simply two squads anticipating wins.
On Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the Elasto Painters outlasted the Bossing, 120-106, in a match that additionally showcased two of the league’s quickest rising stars.
Adrian Nocum starred in Rain or Shine’s third win in 5 video games — and he did it towards an outdated neighborhood rival: RK Ilagan of Blackwater.
Apart from the enjoyment of successful, Nocum couldn’t assist however really feel a wave of nostalgia, particularly after dealing with off with Ilagan — a participant he used to look as much as from his early days in Tondo.
“I actually felt it [nostalgia] as a result of even earlier than I bought to play within the NCAA, there was already an RK Ilagan,” Nocum instructed Inquirer Sports activities in Filipino. “He’s so good. You all can see that he can drive, shoot exterior and move. He can actually contribute.”
READ: PBA: Adrian Nocum overwhelmed by praises from Jayson Castro, Chot
Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Adrian Nocum throughout a PBA Philippine Cup sport towards Blackwater Bossing. –PBA IMAGES
Again in 2017, Nocum was simply attempting to make a reputation for himself with Mapua within the NCAA whereas Ilagan was already a San Sebastian standout.
Wednesday’s matchup appeared like a full-circle second — besides this time, it was Nocum who bought the higher of Ilagan.
READ: PBA: Adrian Nocum has instruments to be MVP, says Yeng Guiao
The previous Cardinal pushed the Elasto Painters to the win with 23 factors, 4 rebounds and an help on an environment friendly 55 p.c capturing clip.
The Bossing dropped to a 1-4 document however not with out the efforts of Ilagan, who put up 16 factors, two assists, a steal, and three three-pointers.
With Nocum and Ilagan buying and selling buckets and defensive stops, it felt much less like a PBA sport and extra like an NCAA basic — besides now beneath brighter lights.
However this match-up was about extra than simply basketall. It was a illustration of a spot that each gamers proudly name residence.
Proud Tondo boys
Blackwater Bossing’s RK Ilagan throughout a PBA Philippine Cup sport. –PBA IMAGES
In 2012, Gloc-9 launched his hit music alongside Denise Barbacena titled, “Hari Ng Tondo,” which highlighted the violence and struggles within the notorious district of Manila.
As time glided by, although, Tondo began to turn out to be acknowledged extra positively other than the place’s notoriety.
READ: Proud Tondo boy RK Ilagan decided to succeed in PBA dream
Nocum and Ilagan made an announcement. Tondo is extra that about its repute, it’s a cradle for the subsequent large stars of the PBA.
That very same district launched Paul Lee to the PBA in 2011. Now, the league has Ilagan and Nocum.
“We all know one another from Tondo,” mentioned a proud Ilagan regardless of the loss.
“We got here from there. A whole lot of our mates and households are watching. We’re pleased to be enjoying like this, and even happier that extra gamers from Tondo are making it to the PBA.”
READ: PBA: RK Ilagan cherishes matchup with childhood idol Jayson Castro
Ilagan might have misplaced the battle towards Nocum however seeing his fellow Tondo expertise flourish from a scrawny child attempting to crack the lineup to a PBA staple guard, Nocum can be a victory by itself.
“I bear in mind Nocs earlier than, he was so skinny however I may see the longer term for him as a result of he’s hardworking and he actually desires to study,” mentioned Ilagan.
“I all the time knew this time would come.”
