First finals for Rhodes

San Miguel import Charles Rhodes is so ecstatic about his first-ever finals appearance as a professional player that he plans to make the experience as memorable as possible.

Rhodes, who has traveled the world since being left undrafted in the 2008 NBA Draft, will enter the PBA Commissioner's Cup finals series against TNT KaTropa with plenty of inspiration as he tries to give the Beermen their second straight title this season.

“I'm flying my wife and my mother for this series,” Rhodes said. “My mother's never seen me play overseas, she's never been overseas. So everything is going to be very, very emotional for me, and I want my mom to be here to witness that.”

Another first-time experience awaits Rhodes. He will celebrate his 32nd birthday away from his hometown of Galveston, Texas on the 25th, or during Game 3 of the best-of-seven series.

A first-timer in the Philippines, Rhodes is looking to get a late birthday present – a PBA championship. It would be a big reward for the player who has dealt numerous heartbreaks in Latvia, Spain and Turkey, and most notably South Korea.

“I've been like in five semifinals, so I know what it feels like. I know what the pain is, not to get the Promised Land, so that's why it was so emotional for me,” said Rhodes, who was so emotional when the Beermen finished off the Star Hotshots in the semifinals.

It would be hard to imagine what kind of emotion Rhodes should the Beermen reach the top. If that happens, he would be the happiest man on the court.

“If I win it, it's gonna be more emotional for me,” he said.

– JONAS TERRADO