PBA: Late scratch in dunk contest, Encho Serrano puts on show in RSJ game

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I filled Serrano. PBA PICTURES

ILOILO—Encho Serrano may have disappointed his fans after withdrawing from the Slam Dunk Competition at the last minute. But he made sure to make it in the Greats-Stalwarts exhibition on Saturday night.

The Phoenix rookie scored 40 points—the most by any player—in the showcase of the PBA’s finest rookies, sophomores and juniors at the City of Passi Arena.

“I only give my best. I don’t think this is an All-Star contest. I think it’s a regular game,” he told reporters in the Philippines during the contest, which Team Greats won, 158-138.

“It is as the Commissioner (Willie Marcial) said: Give fans something worth watching,” he added.

Serrano also shined from distance, hitting four triples and a long-range shot worth four points. But more importantly, he has three hours in which to make up for his withdrawal from the dunk party.

“It doesn’t happen very often,” he said. “We want to please the fans so we do what we can. I did my best, and this is the result. I’m glad I did well.”

Serrano said he had to implement the plan as a final addition to the Dunk Competition that was eventually won by Converge forward David Murrell. But an earlier sprain prevented him from doing so.

“I was really dressed. But I told the ‘Comm’ that I was not very comfortable with the sprain during the game against Meralco,” he explained.

“It’s different if you jump. I just said that I will pass for now. I’ll just prepare next year if I participate in the contest,” he added.

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