Reavis, PBA’s oldest active player, remains valuable to Magnolia

FROM the time they played together with the old San Juan team in the defunct MBA until they were reunited at Magnolia seven years ago, Hotshots coach Chito Victolero remains a believer of Raffi Reavis’ game.

“Si Raffi very serviceable pa rin. Parang hind nga nagbabago yung itsura ni Raffi. Nung magkasama kami sa San Juan dati, ganyan na rin yung itsura niya. Maybe because of how he takes care of his body,” said Victolero.

“Maingat kasi sa pagkain si Raffi at disiplinado talaga kaya naman makikita mo until now, very serviceable pa rin siya.”

Reavis is the oldest player seeing action in the PBA this season at 47. He is one of only seven 40-plus players enlisted in the 49th season.

The Hotshots team captain is playing in his 23rd season in the league.

But more than being serviceable, Reavis is more valuable when it comes to providing leadership, according to Victolero.

“Player to player mentorship, mas matututukan nya yung pagtuturo sa mga mas batang players like Ian (Sangalang), James Laput and even yung pinakabago naming player na si Zav Lucero,” said Victolero.

“I don’t think Raffi has any ambition of breaking someone else’s record. He just wants to be ready every game and that’s what he’s doing.” (RJ)