JERWIN Gaco’s PBA D-League debut may have ended on a losing note, but the Tanduay forward definitely saw a lot of positives from his stint in the second-tier league.
The bull-strong forward is thankful for his chance to play in the developmental league with Tanduay, saying it enabled him to regain his confidence after being a benchwarmer for the most part of his PBA career.
“At least bumalik ‘yung kumpiyansa ko kasi alam naman natin sa PBA, hindi ako nagagamit,” said Gaco after an 88-65 Game Three loss to Cignal ended Tanduay's title bid at the semifinal stage.
"Kahit papaano, ginagamit ako, may playing time ako at nalalaro ko ‘yung laro ko," he added.
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The 36-year-old Gaco, however, said he the feeling would have been way better had Tanduay hurdled Cignal and reached the finals against Racal.
The former Star Hotshots mainstay finished with 15 points and eight rebounds for Tanduay in Game Three, but his effort went for naught as Cignal built a wide margin and never looked back.
“Siyempre, frustrated kasi akala ko, mananalo kami ng Game Three. Hindi ko inexpect na tatambakan kami ng ganun kalaki. Nawala ‘yung intensity namin nung tinambakan kami,” said Gaco.