A strict diet and workout regimen during the off-season has borne fruit for wide-bodied Cebuano JR Quiñahan as he was named Player of the Week for the first week of the season in the PBA Philippine Cup.
A former standout of the University of the Visayas, the sweet-shooting Rain or Shine forward has stepped up tot the plate in the absence of top gun Paul Lee, flaunting a well-rounded offensive repertoire in the Elasto Painters’ first two games.
First, Quiñahan had a team-high 17 points along with eight rebounds and four blocks in 27 minutes of play in their 96-87 win over Purefoods during the season’s opening game. Then, he fired 14 points on a near-perfect 6-of-7 from the two-point zone, while adding five boards in their 108-94 rout of the Mahindra Enforcers.
Quiñahan stressed that his improved play is a product of the hard work he put in during the off-season. “Nag pay off akoa workout ug diet. Disciplina ba kay lisod na ning magkatiguwang ta,” said one-half of Rain or Shine’s famed Extra Inc. duo in an exclusive interview with Cebu Daily News.
“More protein less carbs akoa diet unya dako kaayo changes physically na ni gamay ko sa akoa weight unya mas gaan nako,” added Quinahan.
“Malaking bagay talaga si JR sa amin. Lalo na kapag nagsasabay kami sa loob. Iyung inside presence niya kasi mahalaga saka nagko-complement kami,” said Extra Inc.’s other half, Beau Belga in commending Quiñahan’s inspired plays early in the season.
“Nagtiyaga talaga iyan si JR sa off-season, kaya ngayon nakikita natin ang bunga,” he added.