Hontiveros relishes team captain role for Gilas

CHANGSHA – As the team skipper, Dondon Hontiveros really stepped forward and led the way versus Hong Kong on Thursday.

The Cebuano hotshot banged away back-to-back triples highlighting Gilas Pilipinas’ searing second-quarter breakaway en route to a 101-50 dominance of Hong Kong.

Even before the game, he actively played his role as team captain helping psyche up the team coming from their disappointing 73-75 loss to Palestine Wednesday.

Hontiveros was officially designated as team captain during breakfast Wednesday.

“Yes, somehow it’s special especially as this could well be my last tournament (as a national player),” said Hontiveros, the second oldest player in the team at 38.

“It feels good because it means you’re trusted as you’re given a responsibility. It’s also an opportunity for me to still grow at my age,” Hontiveros also said.

“But for sure everybody in this team can lead, or can talk on what’s needed to be said for the guys to be motivated and reminded. There’s also Asi (Taulava). Siguro lang kaya hindi sa kanya ibinigay because he’s coming off the bench,” Hontiveros added.

Hontiveros said he had never been a team captain all his basketball life. “I never recall a time that I was a team captain. That’s why this is special,” he said.

“He’s a leader. He’s always there for a teammate if he needs to be reminded,” said Marc Pingris, giving Hontiveros a vote of confidence.

Hontiveros is the new Gilas skipper taking over from Jimmy Alapag.