Cage great Patrimonio thinks maturity, character key for Star in Game 5

ALVIN PATRIMONIO has been in situations such as this one many times before when he was still playing for the Purefoods franchise.

Now the squad’s team manager, the only other four-time PBA Most Valuable Player believes Game 5 will be a true test of character and resolve of this young Star Hotshots team.

“The maturity and the character of the team will be tested,” Mr. Patrimonio told Business

World “We beat Ginebra two in a row and then Ginebra came back and beat us two straight. We need to show that maturity and character in Game 5.”

Mr. Patrimonio has led the old Purefoods franchise to six championships and won all his individual awards while playing for the team.

But for Mr. Patrimonio, it’s easier for a player to release his frustration than being a team manager.

“As a player, you have the outlet to release it. As a team manager, you don’t have that luxury,” he added.

The usually calm and collected Patrimonio failed to keep his emotions in check in one play and contested a call made by the game official.

One of the league’s all-time greatest players and Hall of Famer, Mr. Patrimonio burst onto the scene in 1988 and quickly, his entry transformed the popularity of the PBA where he waged battles with some of the bets players the league has ever produced.

He also had memorable battles with Ginebra, then being coached by the Living Legend Robert Jaworski and the Hotdogs- Gin Kings rivalry were born. To date, the two teams are considered to have the biggest fan base in the PBA.

Mr. Patrimonio believes the rivalry is still at its fever pitch as proven by the ongoing bestof-seven semifinals series.

“It’s close until the end. This is really good for the league,” he added.