HAVING a two-way player like Anthony Semerad is a luxury for head coach Jong Uichico.
Semerad, who won multiple championship with San Beda in college, takes pride in his role as an import-stopper and defender of key players of the opposing teams.
Apart from that, he can also deliver crucial baskets when needed, just like he did last Sunday when he powered the NLEX Road Warriors past the Barangay Ginebra Kings and into the quarterfinals of the PBA Governors; Cup.
Actually, Uichico is no stranger to Semerad's hard-nosed defense. He discovered Semerad's ability when he was still coaching TNT.
In this playoffs, the nine-time PBA champion coach, believes the 6-4 Fil-Australian will be a big help for the team and will rise to the challenge as he did in the Road Warriors 103-99 victory over the Kings.
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With the team needing a win to make the playoffs, Semerad took over when the team needed someone to take charge. He nailed killer threes at crunch time (he finished with 12 points all coming from the 3-point range) while limiting the effectiveness of Ginebra import Justine Brownlee and big man Japeth Aguilar.
"Naging specialist siya playing the role as import stopper and he is also effective shooting three-point shots," said Uichico. "He has find his niche in the PBA. Bihira yung player who takes pride on what he does best."
Semerad's defensive skill will once again be tested as the Road Warriors take on Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and the Tropang Giga in the best-of-five quarterfinals series. (RJ)
