Barangay Ginebra’s Ralph Cu.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—“Right now, they’ll test you.”
Those were the words coach Tim Cone told his rookie Ralph Cu before the post-game conference of Barangay Ginebra’s 102-92 win over Phoenix in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Cone’s words can be taken into several contexts but the most plausible one would be more eyes leaning toward Cu in future Gin Kings games.
After all, Sunday served as a coming out party for Cu, who exploded just two days after his 27th birthday.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
“It’s very overwhelming but I trust my work and I just want to be able to help the team in whatever way I can,” said Cu. “I noticed the defense was giving me shots that I wanted to shoot so I just wanted to let them pay and that opened up the other guys once I hit them.”
Cu ended up with 12 points, a couple of offensive rebounds, one steal and a block in 18 minutes off the bench.
Nine of the young gun’s points came from downtown and in the pivotal third quarter, where Ginebra broke away from Phoenix.
READ: PBA: Ginebra banks on strong third to dispatch Phoenix
However, Cu stressed he wouldn’t have had that kind of performance if it wasn’t for Cone’s trust in him—a trust that began since the 2023 PBA Draft.
“When they drafted me, I didn’t expect to play because we had an import and I’m playing behind guys who are really good. Last conference, he even started me in the first game so every day I put in the work because I want to repay that trust,” said Cu.
Cu was the 23rd overall pick of last year’s draft. At the time, it was a surprising pick with players like Adrian Nocum and Fran Yu among others, still on the board.
READ: PBA: Scottie Thompson sidelined in Ginebra win with back injury
But it worked out for the best as Cone gives Cu the “most opportunity he’s had in his life.”
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“I’m very grateful for the opportunity. I think this is the most opportunity I’ve had in my whole life. Even in college, I was a bench player. I just want to make the most out of the opportunities that are given to me. Hopefully, I can be consistent.”