MANILA, Philippines – Marqus Blakely turned 25 on Tuesday, one day before the crucial Game Six of the PBA Governors’ Cup Finals.
His father Marvin, who is in the country to watch him play, wished to see his son finally completing his unfinished business here.
The elder Blakely saw it first-hand how his son failed last year.
Marqus came close to winning the championship last year until he fouled out in the final 8:30 of the epic Game Seven allowing Rain or Shine to run away with its first ever PBA title.
“I was here last year. I saw he fouled out in the fourth quarter,†said Marvin, who played college basketball for one year in Yale University before becoming a lawyer.
Marqus was so disappointed last season that he vowed to return to win the championship.
“He told me that he was gonna work hard on his game so that he could go back here and win [the championship],†Marvin told Philstar.com.
Marqus came back with a vengeance averaging 26 points and 16.7 rebounds coupled with 5 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.7 blocks in the elimination round on his way to earning the Best Import of the Conference award.
Marvin, who coached Marqus up to his sixth grade, is beaming with pride.
“I’m very proud because he plays the game right. He’s a team player. He’s not trying to be an individual star. I think his teammates appreciate that,†Marvin said.
Marvin Blakely (left) enjoys dinner with his son Marqus, Marc Pingris and a companion. Photo courtesy of Marc Pingris
Marqus is happy to see his father take some time off from work to support him in his career.
“Since he’s been here, he kind of understands the game a little bit more. He comes to practice everyday. He knows the guys well,†Marqus told Philstar.com.
But while his father is a great influence to him and his game, Marqus loves the way Marvin carries himself.
“He gives us space to do our thing. He knows that at the end of the day, we’re going out there and play as hard as we can,†Marqus said.
Now that Marqus is so close to finally winning a PBA championship, Marvin can’t hide his excitement but remained cautious.
“I can’t believe it’s real. If it happens, I’ll be the happiest man on earth. I really will… because he worked hard and I think the proof is he does more things now than he did last year. If you continue improving your game, good things will happen,†Marvin said.
“But it’s never over until it’s over. You have to defend until the end. Defense always wins,†Marvin added.