Virtual support

The crowd may not be around, but Barangay Ginebra San Miguel still gets the loudest roar every time it sees action inside the Philippine Basketball Association bubble.

Scottie Thompson said despite playing behind closed doors, they could still feel the energy whenever they see a sea of red flashing in the giant LED screen.

“We get pumped up whenever we enter the court and see a lot of virtual fans on the screen,” he said.

“Their support really boosts our energy because we know that wherever we go, they are always present to cheer for us.”

True enough, the Kings are playing inspired basketball with three straight wins in the early stretch of the conference.

There is no stopping Kevin Racal from boosting Alaska despite his season-ending injury.

Racal, who crashed with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in their first game, said he is not yet planning to leave the bubble as he wants to support his teammates until the day of his operation.

“My teammates keep on telling me to stay here. They want me to be with them during games and practices,” the 29-year-old forward said.

“And if I will have it my way, I also want to stay here and finish the bubble. I think that’s the only way I could help the team.”

Rain or Shine rookie Prince Rivero admitted that is looking up to Beau Belga as his role model.

With the Elasto Painters off to a sizzling start, Rivero said he is always talking to Belga to seek advice on matters inside and outside the court.

“Beau is always reminding me that even though I am just a rookie, he would always have my back,” said Rivero, who is patterning his game to that of the 6-foot-5 banger from Sorsogon.

“He said that he would support me in whatever I do inside and outside the court. For sure, we would be a tandem someday.”