Beau Belga impresses Gilas coaches, but not afraid of getting cut: ‘Bawal ang pusong mamon’

Sports5/Paul Mata
Despite being the last addition to the Philippine national men’s basketball pool, Beau Belga has impressed Chot Reyes and the rest of the team’s coaching staff.

The burly Rain or Shine center has had little trouble adjusting to Reyes’ dribble-drive attack, finding similarities to the system employed by Yeng Guiao with the Elasto Painters.

“Thankful ako kasi binibigyan ako ng kumpiyansa ni Coach. Sabi niya kasi kapag nalibre, tira,” Belga told InterAKTV in an exclusive interview.

“Same lang yung ginagawa ko sa Rain or Shine. Same kasi sila ng principle. Same rin ng confidence na ina-apply ko.”

Belga was impressive during the SMART-Gilas Pilipinas national team’s 84-67 victory in a tuneup against Barako Bull on Saturday. He was a steady force on defense while showing his versatility on offense, displaying his shooting, driving, and passing skills.

During one stretch, he hit two three-pointers that helped break the game wide open.

Reyes wasn’t surprised by Belga’s performance, but noted that he might not be as effective against international competition.

“Alam naman natin basta sa PBA, kayang-kaya gawin ni Beau yan,” said Reyes. “Sa international hindi niya masyado magawa yun sa Lithuania siyempre dahil mga bantay niya mas malalaki na sa kanya, mas mabibilis pa. Inaabutan yung ganung tira niya.”

Reyes is due to name his final 12 men to compete in the FIBA Asia Championship, and Belga still harbors hope that he will be selected.

“Everyone na andito sa team yun ang pinapangarap. Let’s see kung ano yung kapalaran natin,” said Belga, who added that he won’t take it against the coaching staff if he does not make it.

“If I’m not lucky enough na makasama sa final 12, it’s OK. Walang problema sa akin. I will still support the team kasi Pilipino ako eh. Hindi puwedeng hindi ko suportahan yun. Hindi pupuwede rito yung pusong mamon ka na kapag na-cut ka, magtatampo ka. Bawal yun para sa akin.

“Kapag ako na-cut, the next time na magkakaroon ulit ng opportunity na ganito, siguro mas gagalingan ko para mapasama ako sa final 12.”