Proud laking Tondo: Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Adrian Nocum and Blackwater Bossing’s RK Ilagan now plying their trade in the PBA. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine and Blackwater’s clash in the PBA Philippine Cup featured more than just two squads eager for wins.
On Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, the Elasto Painters outlasted the Bossing, 120-106, in a match that also showcased two of the league’s fastest rising stars.
Adrian Nocum starred in Rain or Shine’s third win in five games — and he did it against an old neighborhood rival: RK Ilagan of Blackwater.
Aside from the joy of winning, Nocum couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia, especially after facing off with Ilagan — a player he used to look up to from his early days in Tondo.
“I really felt it [nostalgia] because even before I got to play in the NCAA, there was already an RK Ilagan,” Nocum told Inquirer Sports in Filipino. “He’s so good. You all can see that he can drive, shoot outside and pass. He can really contribute.”
READ: PBA: Adrian Nocum overwhelmed by praises from Jayson Castro, Chot
Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Adrian Nocum during a PBA Philippine Cup game against Blackwater Bossing. –PBA IMAGES
Back in 2017, Nocum was just trying to make a name for himself with Mapua in the NCAA while Ilagan was already a San Sebastian standout.
Wednesday’s matchup seemed like a full-circle moment — except this time, it was Nocum who got the better of Ilagan.
READ: PBA: Adrian Nocum has tools to be MVP, says Yeng Guiao
The former Cardinal pushed the Elasto Painters to the win with 23 points, four rebounds and an assist on an efficient 55 percent shooting clip.
The Bossing dropped to a 1-4 record but not without the efforts of Ilagan, who put up 16 points, two assists, a steal, and three three-pointers.
With Nocum and Ilagan trading buckets and defensive stops, it felt less like a PBA game and more like an NCAA classic — except now under brighter lights.
But this match-up was about more than just basketall. It was a representation of a place that both players proudly call home.
Proud Tondo boys
Blackwater Bossing’s RK Ilagan during a PBA Philippine Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
In 2012, Gloc-9 released his hit song alongside Denise Barbacena titled, “Hari Ng Tondo,” which highlighted the violence and struggles in the infamous district of Manila.
As time went by, though, Tondo started to become recognized more positively apart from the place’s notoriety.
READ: Proud Tondo boy RK Ilagan determined to reach PBA dream
Nocum and Ilagan made a statement. Tondo is more that about its reputation, it’s a cradle for the next big stars of the PBA.
That same district introduced Paul Lee to the PBA in 2011. Now, the league has Ilagan and Nocum.
“We know each other from Tondo,” said a proud Ilagan despite the loss.
“We came from there. A lot of our friends and families are watching. We’re happy to be playing like this, and even happier that more players from Tondo are making it to the PBA.”
READ: PBA: RK Ilagan cherishes matchup with childhood idol Jayson Castro
Ilagan may have lost the battle against Nocum but seeing his fellow Tondo talent flourish from a scrawny kid trying to crack the lineup to a PBA staple guard, Nocum is also a victory on its own.
“I remember Nocs before, he was so thin but I could see the future for him because he’s hardworking and he really wants to learn,” said Ilagan.
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“I always knew this time would come.”
