Hugnatan: Meralco’s reliable power source

MANILA, Philippines - Tall and rugged Reynel Hugnatan could literally shoot the lights out for Meralco.

In fact, his deadly outside shooting together with diminutive Jimmy Alapag’s clutch hits were the reasons Meralco Bolts are 2-to-1 over the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the current best-of-seven PBA Governors Cup Finals.

And yet the former University of Manila Hawk started out as some kind of an enforcer with inside moves behind efficient footwork honed in the defunct MBA and further developed in his 12 seasons in the PBA.

But he is a natural shooter. Not in the mold of pure and gifted shooters like Alapag and the legendary Allan Caidic. But gunning down treys come naturally to the guy that he was given the go signal to unload from the quartercourt by Meralco coach Norman Black.

 “He was given the green light to shoot as far back as the second conference, but I didn’t know he’s a great shooter until we let our big guys take outside shots,” said Black.

“He did it against TNT, and he did it again (in Game Three of the Governors Cup finals against Ginebra). He’s definitely not a fluke,” Black also said.

“Those were huge three-point shots that he made. That’s the reason why we’re here in the finals. My hat’s off to Reynel. When he makes those shots, he takes a lot of pressure from AD (Allen Durham) and makes it difficult for Ginebra,” Black added.

Hugnatan, meanwhile, returned the compliments to Black for his trust and confidence.

“He’s the one who encouraged me to shoot from the outside,” said Hugnatan, who made only 54 three-point attempts and converted 12 in his first 12 seasons in the pro league with Coca-Cola, Alaska Milk and Meralco.

Heading to Game Four of the finals, the Negrense baller is 17-of-46 from the three-point land – 5-of-11 in the semis and 5-of-16 in the finale.

Game Three was in the balance when he rattled in three treys, the last one giving them a 105-98 cushion with time down to 42.4 seconds.

Early on, he went 5-of-6 in their 119-113 conquest of the Texters that gave them a 2-1 lead in their side of the best-of-five semis.

 “It’s really all about the confidence given me by coach Norman,” he insisted.

Ninth among 40 players drafted in 2003, Hugnatan is among the few remaining survivors from his draft class along with top pick Mike Cortez, No. 4 Harvey Carey, No. 6 Billy Mamaril, No. 7 Rico Villanueva, No. 14 Cyrus Baguio and No. 16 Ronald Tubid.