Brondial doing well sans imports

Rodney Brondial is making the most of his minutes inside the court to help contribute to San Miguel Beer’s cause in the ongoing Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup.

After taking a backseat during the season’s first two import-laden conferences, the veteran big man has seen his numbers improve, especially on the boards.

His consistent performance in the all-Filipino tournament has eased the scoring and rebounding burden from San Miguel star center June Mar Fajardo.

Just last Sunday, the Adamson University product submitted a career-best 22 rebounds to go with 16 points, one steal, one assist and one block in an all-around outing in the Beermen’s 128-89 crushing of Terrafima at the Ynares Center-Montalban.

“I just want to contribute whatever I can especially the intangibles. Anything to help the team,” he said.

“I’m not conscious about my points. Ever since, my focus is getting the rebounds and playing defense.”

Brondial shot 8-of-11 from the field and was a monster on the boards, including 10 defensive rebounds, to help Beermen score 22 second chance points.

“It’s just so happened that I got 16 points. But honestly, I’m taking tabs on my rebounds,” Brondial added.

Beermen coach Leo Austria has always been confident in what his former player could bring to the table.

“Ever since we know about his hard-nosed defense and rebounding. He is intense. You can see his intensity even during practice. That’s his habit,” he said.

“I’m so fortunate to have a player like him. You don’t even need to motivate him. He’s self-motivated,” Austria added.

The 34-year-old Brondial has been averaging 6.7 and 10.29 rebounds this conference for the 5-2 Beermen.

“It’s all-Filipino, so it’s our opportunity to play. When we play with imports, nasa mundo na naman tayo ng mga halimaw eh,” quipped Brondial, who was limited to 1.0 points and 1.13 boards during the Commissioner’s Cup.