Hugnatan defying Father Time

SMART CLARK GIGA CITY, Philippines – Reynel Hugnatan has just turned 42, yet he’s still going strong like he’s in his heyday.

Seventeen years into his professional career, the veteran Meralco big man still feels like a rookie, brimming with fire, passion and hunger in the unique PBA tourney.

“Wala naman sikreto. Disiplina lang sa sarili tsaka tamang pagkain,” said the 2003 ninth overall pick, who’s observing a strict diet of chicken, fish and vegetables even outside the bubble.

The University of Manila product conducts his own workout every morning apart from their usual schedule in the weight room. During practice, he is among the first to hit the floor and the last to call it a day with extra shooting.

“Mahal ko yung katawan ko kaya nagsa-sacrifice din ako. Kailangan stay healthy and fit. Same approach palagi, dapat gutom ka pa rin,” said Hugnatan, who spends time to instill the same mindset to young Bolts big men Raymond Almazan, Raymar Jose and Jammer Jamito.

The Bacolod-native is the longest tenured player in the league after the 47-year-old Asi Taulava and the 43-year-old Rafi Reavis.

But age is just a number for “Pops,” as his teammates call him.

At 42, he’s still good for averages of 13 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

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Top rookie Roosevelt Adams felt like a champion in tasting his first PBA win after Terrafirma fended off skidding Blackwater, 110-101, behind his monster 20-point, 16-reboung outing.

“That felt great. I just felt like I won a championship. It’s crazy,” said the 6-foot-5 Fil-Am wingman. “I have a little more to show. I feel like I have a lot more to show.”

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The spat between Ray Ray Parks and Calvin Abueva is far from over, with the TNT Tropang Giga guard belying the claim of the returning Phoenix player.

“I’m just pissed off that people would publish something that never came out of my mouth. I’m not mad about the comeback. I’m pissed off about the damn lie,” said Parks on Abueva’s claim that all’s well between them already.

Abueva told the Sports Page program on TV5 he has apologized to Parks in a chance encounter at Quest Hotel.

A flagrant clothesline tackle on TNT import Terrence Jones and a separate incident with Parks’ girlfriend had led to a long indefinite suspension that Abueva had served.