Quinahan named PBA Press Corps Player of the Week

MANILA, Philippines – In the absence of top gun Paul Lee, Rain or Shine found an unlikely gunner to step up the plate in backup big man JR Quinahan at the start of the season.

The beefy Quinahan, a rugged defender, flaunted his offensive repertoire during the team’s first two games in the season-opening week, helping Rain or Shine complete a 96-87 come-from-behind win over Star on Wednesday, before churning out another big-time performance in the team’s 108-94 ripping of Mahindra four days later.

The former University of Visayas star center was a tower of strength in the season’s kick-off game against Star, producing a team-high 17 points, grabbing eight rebounds and adding four blocks in 27 minutes of play.

And to show his huge game was no fluke, the wide-bodied Cebuano fired 14 points on a near-perfect 6-of-7 from the two-point zone, while adding five boards against the shorter Mahindra front court.

“Malaking bagay talaga si JR sa amin. Lalo na kapag nagsasabay kami sa loob. Iyung inside presence niya kasi mahalaga saka nagko-complement kami,” said Belga in commending Quinahan’s inspired plays early in the season.

The heads-up performance rewarded Quinahan with the first Accel-PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for the 41st season as he beat teammate Jericho Cruz for the weekly citation.

Belga said Quinahan’s aggressiveness was crucial for the Elasto Painters, aware that they need a spark in the absence of Lee, who is out for at least four weeks due to a partial tear on his left meniscus.

And he believes what people see early in the season is a product of Quinahan’s hard work during the offseason.

“Nagtiyaga talaga iyan si JR sa offseason, kaya ngayon nakikitra natin ang bunga,” he added.

With the strong 2-0 start, Rain or Shine has enough time to plot its move before returning to action on November 4 against defending Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer at the Mall of Asia Arena.