Sports
‘El Granada’ celebrates three-point shootout win during MPBL All-Star 2019
Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Bataan Riser and former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) guard Gary David proves he’s still got it at the age of 40 by outscoring his opponents at the three-point shootout during the MPBL All-Star Event that happened last Saturday, March 2 at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena.
David scored a total of 18 points during the first round, which was his entryway to the finals. Joining him for round two was San Juan Knights’ and fellow PBA veteran John Wilson, Bulacan Kuyas’ James Martinez, Manila Stars’ Chris Bitoon, and Muntinlupa Cagers’ GJ Ylagan. During the second round, he was the top gunner at 23 points, which won him P50,000.
David shared his delight in outscoring the other 17 participants during the side event, proving that ‘age is truly just a number’ and attesting his 13 years in professional basketball with his skill. He said in Filipino, “Of course I’m happy because for the first time, I got to join the three-point shooting and this time I won,” adding, “I can now say that I am a three-point king.” When talking about his younger competitors, David also stated, “I also got challenged. My mindset was just to reach the finals and see what would happen.”
Prior to the three-point shootout, teammates Pamboy Raymundo and John Byron Villarias also represented the Jojo Lastimosa-led squad successfully by winning the PayMaya two-ball challenge. The duo also took home a total of P50,000.
Later in the night, David also represented his home province on Team North during the All-Star game.
After the MPBL All-Star event, David reported that his complete focus is now on the league’s upcoming playoffs, stating, “It’s back to reality already. Our goal is to just keep doing what we’re doing.”
In mid-March, the Risers will be entering the playoffs with the top spot in the North division and a homecourt advantage. They currently stand 22 wins and 2 loses.