Rudy reigns among Kings

Everybody knew Rudy Hatfield was bringing with him lots of energy when he decided to make a grand return in the PBA.

Few, however, were really that prepared for the extras he has brought to Ginebra, helping make it truly a powerhouse team in the Talk N Text-PBA Philippine Cup.

What makes his feats more remarkable is the fact he only had a little time honing up for the season, coming off as he did from almost a two-year sabbatical following questions about his nationality while he was still with Coca-Cola.

It seems from the way he plays, however, that he has never been away.

Hatfield consistently spices up his tenacious vigor with points, rebounds, defense, hustle and court leadership, playing a key role in the Kings racing to a 2-0 start and a share of the early lead with Red Bull and Talk N Text in the season-opening conference.

In a star-studded organization that boasts of the likes of former MVPs Eric Menk and Johnny Abarrientos, the high-scoring Mark Caguioa, the flashy Jayjay Helterbrand, the towering Romel Adducul, Rafi Reavis and Billy Mamaril, Hatfield has consistently shone.

Main reason why the athletic, 6-foot-3 forward was unanimously voted by the PBA Press Corps as its Player of the Week for the period Oct. 1-8.

"The kind of passion and energy that he brings to the game and team is what coaches look for in a player," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

And then there are the more concrete aspects of Hatfield‚s game.

He had 21 points and 14 rebounds in the crowd favorites‚ 102-69 debut win over newcomer Welcoat on opening day Oct. 1 and followed that up with 16 points and 11 rebounds in a cruising 86-67 win over Purefoods Chunkee last Saturday in the season‚s first out-of-town sortie in Dumaguete City.

To make Hatfield‚s productions more noteworthy, he provided the Kings with the early spark in both games and also lent a big hand in finishing the jobs.