Air Ball

XXVII: Five Percent

JERIC

"Jeric Teng for three!" The voice echoed throughout the coliseum. There wasn't time for any kind of momentary celebration. Rain Or Shine was still down by two.

We've been in a lot of situations like this. This time, we want a different ending. This time, we will make sure we emerge as the victors.

With eight seconds left on the game clock, the ball was in Globalport's possession. Not for long. Gabe swiped the ball from Romeo and together with Paul, we ran to the other side of the court. Two defenders were immediately on Paul and with the clock winding down, Gabe gave me the leather. There was no time to drive so I muttered a quick prayer before taking a step back for a three-pointer.

The world seemed to have stopped when the shot went in. The usually loud "Jeric Teng for three!" was like a faint voice, almost a whisper. Before I knew it, the whole team was hugging me, giving me pats on the back, and messing up my hair.

"Your Governors' Cup champions"  The host proudly announced. "and the fifth team in PBA history to complete a grand slam... The Rain Or Shine Elastopainters! "

After winning the Philippine Cup that has been eluding us for so long, the Commisioners' Cup next, this Governors' Cup was the icing on the cake. Everything felt surreal and I was floating in a dream-like state. Even when we were up on the stage with medals being hung around our necks, I still couldn't believe what we had achieved. A whole season of physical, emotional, and mental ups and downs all boiled down to this. This was our year, this was going to be our dynasty.

The locker room that had witnessed every breakdown, every peptalk, and every devastation was transformed into some kind of universe that had overflowing beer, wine, music, and victorious cheers.

A knock on the door meant it was time for the interviews to begin and the jubilation to be captured. I didn't have to guess which PBA courtside reporter would be doing the honors tonight.

There stood on the doorway the woman I'd instantly trade all of this for. Compared to the silver flowy dress she wore earlier during the game, the midnight blue dress she was wearing now took my breath away. But the best accessory she had on, was the smile on her face that rivaled ours. If it weren't for Ryan nudging me, I would have continued gawking at her.

"Dahan-dahan, paps. Baka mahuli sa camera. Finals MVP ka pa naman." He teased.

"Congratulations, Rain or Shine!" She began as the camera man, lighting and production assistants followed her inside. 

The guys immediately went over to the camera to wave at fans and give them a glimpse of where they have brought us.

"I am now with the captain of Rain or Shine, The Lee-thal Weapon. So, Paul. How does it feel to be the fifth team to have won this coveted title?" She asked.

"Grabe. Kanina parang iniisip ko pa kung totoo na ba tong nangyayari kasi nasa panaginip ko lang 'to dati e." Paul let out a hearty laugh. "Ang sarap sa pakiramdam. Sobrang saya. Lahat ng pinaghirapan namin, ito na."

"Pano niyo ba pinaghandaan 'tong game na 'to? Or rather itong buong season na 'to? Naka-set na ba talaga na grand slam ang goal or did it just came out when the season started?"

"Nung start ng season Philippine Cup talaga aim namin kasi yun talaga yung mailap. And gusto talaga namin bigyan si coach ng Philippine Cup trophy. Tapos ayun sobrang ganda ng takbo ng team and ng chemistry kasi ang tagal na rin namin magkakasama. Nung nakuha namin yung Commisioners' Cup the conference after, naisip ko, kaya namin mag-grand slam. Sobrang hirap pero kaya. Basta tiwala lang sa isa't isa tsaka di lalaki ulo. Ayun, nag-triple effort kami sa practices at sa games tapos siyempre, one game at a time lang. We have to go through the hardships first bago makuha yung title."