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I still remember the first time I saw Bautista play during his Baby Tamaraw days - the kid had this incredible shooting form that just screamed potential. Fast forward to today, and we're looking at a completely transformed player who's suddenly carrying the weight of an entire franchise on his shoulders. With the 'Veejay Pre-xit' shaking up the team dynamics, Bautista finds himself in that crucial transition from being just another talented shooter to becoming the undeniable face of the Tamaraws. It's fascinating to watch, really, because this kind of pressure either makes or breaks a player.
Looking at the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup schedule, I can't help but feel this is Bautista's moment to truly shine. The schedule kicks off with what promises to be an explosive opening weekend on January 13th, featuring the Tamaraws against their traditional rivals. What many casual fans might not realize is how perfectly timed this season is for Bautista's emergence as the team leader. Last season under coach Sean Chambers, the Tamaraws posted a respectable 8-6 record in the elimination round, finishing fourth in the standings before bowing out in the quarterfinals. This year, with 14 elimination games spread across 11 weeks, followed by potentially 12 playoff matches if they make a deep run, there's ample opportunity for Bautista to establish his legacy.
The schedule itself is beautifully structured, with games primarily scheduled on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays across various venues including the iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum and Mall of Asia Arena. I've always appreciated how the PBA schedules weekend double-headers - there's nothing quite like settling in for back-to-back games with some cold San Miguel Beer. This season particularly interests me because we get to see how Bautista handles the tougher stretches, like that brutal three-games-in-eight-days stretch in mid-February against last year's top three teams. Those are the games that truly test a player's mettle.
From my perspective having followed Philippine basketball for over fifteen years, what makes Bautista's situation so compelling is how organic his rise has been. He wasn't an overnight sensation - I've watched him grind through seasons, gradually improving his scoring average from 9.8 points per game in 2016 to 16.4 last season. His three-point percentage has seen a similar climb, jumping from 32% to 41% over the same period. These aren't just numbers on a stat sheet - they represent countless hours in the gym, perfecting that beautiful shooting stroke that now defines his game.
What really excites me about this upcoming Philippine Cup is seeing how Bautista adapts to being the primary focus of opposing defenses. Last season, with Veejay drawing much of the defensive attention, Bautista often found himself with cleaner looks. Now, he'll likely face double teams and more physical defenders. I'm particularly curious to see how he performs during that critical March 15th matchup against last year's champions - that game could very well determine playoff seeding and set the tone for his leadership legacy.
The beauty of the PBA Philippine Cup schedule is how it builds narrative throughout the season. Early games allow teams to find their rhythm, mid-season matchups test their resilience, and the final elimination games often determine crucial playoff positioning. For Bautista, every game represents another chapter in his development from supporting cast to leading man. I remember talking to some team insiders who mentioned how Chambers has been working with Bautista on his playmaking - they want his assist numbers to jump from last season's 3.2 per game to somewhere around 5.5 this campaign.
There's something special about following a player's journey through an entire season, and the 2019 Philippine Cup provides the perfect stage for Bautista's story arc. Mark your calendars for April 2nd - that's when they face their archrivals in what could be a preview of the Finals matchup. Personally, I believe this Tamaraws squad has the potential to improve on last season's 12-8 overall record and make a serious Finals run. Bautista's leadership will be the X-factor that determines whether they're merely playoff participants or legitimate championship contenders.
Watching players grow into their roles is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a basketball fan, and Bautista's transformation comes at the perfect time. The 2019 PBA Philippine Cup isn't just another season - it's the backdrop for what could be the emergence of basketball's next superstar. As someone who's followed his career since those Baby Tamaraw days, I can't wait to see how this story unfolds. The schedule is set, the stage is prepared, and all that remains is for Bautista to seize his moment and guide the Tamaraws to that elusive championship.