From barista to shot-blocker: Brandon Bates reflects on road to PBA title

Brandon Bates against the San Miguel Beermen in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup Finals. Photo from PBA Images.

MANILA — Saying Brandon Bates was a vital piece to the Meralco Bolts' championship puzzle is an understatement.

The 6-foot-8 product of De La Salle University took turns with the rest of the Meralco frontline in guarding San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo, as they stunned the Beermen to win the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup crown.

However, Bates acknowledged that his defensive assignment took a toll on him.

READ: Meralco makes history, clinches first franchise championship at San Miguel's expense

"It was probably the most difficult thing I've ever done in my life, I would say," he said last Sunday right before he exited the Big Dome.

"He's one of the strongest guys I've ever played against. Having to get him after getting [Christian] Standhardinger and Japeth [Aguilar], it was monumental," the Filipino-Australian continued, talking about their semifinals series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

"It was really difficult, and my body is feeling it right now."

Meralco’s Brandon Bates. Photo from PBA Images.

But before he banged bodies with the PBA's best and was selected as the eighth overall pick of the 2023 Rookie Draft, the former Green Archers tower shared that he was brewing beans in a coffee shop in Australia.  

"It's like a movie, I've said it to everyone before, this time last year I was just making coffee, I was up at four in the morning," he revealed, while sharing how he was also a working student in the land down under.

"I was making coffee and studying to be a teacher. Now, I can still do that but I'm trying to be a champion," the 27-year-old added.

Despite being an integral part of history with Meralco, with Bates putting up 1.8 blocks alongside 3.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in the Finals, he remained humble and said that all credit must be given to his teammates.

"I don't consider myself to be the surprise player. I was just doing my job. There are so many other good players, so many other veterans who guided me and showed me the ropes, so it wasn't surprising," he said.

"I still don't think I did that well."

What is more important for him moving forward, however, is having the championship experience especially since he is still early in his PBA career.

"I think it's important. Playing against the best of the best in a seven-game series, I learned a lot from it. So hopefully, I'll be able to take it into my second season," said Bates.