Andreas Cahilig is more than just good looks.
Terrafirma head coach Johnedel Cardel admired the 6-foot-3 forward’s hard-nosed brand of basketball, which has undeniably been a key in their sudden surge in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup resumption in Bacolor, Pampanga.
“Kahit gwapo yan, nakikipagpalitan ng mukha yan,” he said.
The Dyip on Sunday followed up their big wins over powerhouse teams San Miguel and Ginebra with a 96-84 victory over Blackwater to stretch their streak to three, and the Fil-Swedish cager contributed greatly to it.
He finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double outing of the conference, indeed of great help as star guard Juami Tiongson got limited to 10 points after career-high performances in their last two games.
Cardel lauded the efforts of Cahilig, even comparing his style of play with eight-time PBA champion Freddie Abuda, a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and a four-time member of the All-Defensive Team.
“Andreas, talagang hard-working guy yan, para ‘yang sila Freddie Abuda nung araw,” said the young mentor, who entered the PBA in 1993 together with the now-Ginebra assistant coach. “I’m very happy to have him.”
Sunday marked the third time that the 2017 second-round pick finished in double figures this conference. He also had 12 points in their season debut versus TNT before making 10 the next game versus NLEX.
His 11 rebounds, meanwhile, are his most this year thus far. he also had three assists and a block without any turnover in nearly 32 minutes in their conquest of the Bossing, which hiked their card to 3-4.
“Andreas is always there,” said Cardel as Cahilig is now averaging 7.7 points and 7.0 rebounds after Sunday’s win.
“Multi-position ‘yan because he can play the two, three, and four. And he’s very aggressive with the rebounds.”
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