RABEH Al-Hussaini is looking forward to a career revival following his reunion with his ‘favorite’ coach.
Al-Hussaini couldn’t hide his joy over the news that he has been sent to Talk ‘N Text in the Japeth Aguilar trade, answering his mobile phone on Friday not with the usual “hello” but with a “so happy, bro” greeting.
Turning serious, the 24-year-old Fil-Kuwaiti vowed to give his all as he reunites with Talk ‘N Text coach Norman Black, his former mentor at Ateneo who he said understands him better than any other coach.
"Basta ako lalaruin ko lang yung game ko," Al-Hussaini told Spin.ph. "Alam ni coach Norman kung paano ako gamitin, alam niya kung paano ako lumaro.”
The former Ateneo star also readily dispelled notions by fans that he is hard to handle, saying he was simply misunderstood.
"Kay coach Norman mo itanong yan,” he said. "Competitive lang talaga ako."
The second pick overall of the 2010 draft went as far as guaranteeing that there will be no tension between him and Black and that they will always "see eye to eye.”
"Willing akong i-accept lahat ng role. At least nasa coach ako na kilala ang ugali ko,” said the former Globalport slotman. “Mas mapapadali ang lahat sa akin.”
Black said he is also looking forward to having Al-Hussaini, adding he hopes to "duplicate some of the success we had in Ateneo.”
"I'm happy tht Rabeh will be joining the TnT team. It's good for us to be getting a young talented big man in exchange for Japeth,” the multi-titled coach said in a message to Spin.ph.
Al-Hussaini's arrival also adds a new dimension to the Texters’ offense, giving the reigning all-Filipino champions a true center that is comfortable playing with his back to the basket.
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