Hontiveros rallies, fires up Nationals as team skipper

CHANGSHA – As the team skipper, Dondon Hontiveros did step up and lead the way against Hong Kong yesterday.

The Cebuano hotshot banged away back-to-back triples highlighting Gilas Pilipinas’ searing second-quarter breakaway en route to a 101-50 rout of the former British colony.

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 since  this could well be my last tournament (as a national player),” said Hontiveros, the second oldest player on the team at 38.

“It feels good because it means you’re trusted when you’re given a responsibility. It’s also an opportunity for me to still grow at my age,” Hontiveros 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),” 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 took over  from Jimmy Alapag.