ANTIPOLO – Jerrick Ahanmisi is on a roll.
The Fil-Nigerian gunner is coming off back-to-back wins in the All-Star Skills Challenge, has seen a career rebirth at Terrafirma, and now will about to play his maiden stint with the national team.
Ahanmisi has been named as part of the Gilas men’s 3x3 team that is set to compete in the coming FIBA Asia Cup in Singapore.
READ Emotional Ahanmisi finds All-Star validation for his hard work
“I just thought it’s a special opportunity because not very many people get the chance to play for Gilas. So as soon as they ask me to come, I was ready to go and I was ready for the opportunity,” he said of wearing the Gilas jersey for the first time ever.
The younger brother of Terrafirma teammate Maverick Ahanmisi just won the Three-Point shootout and the Obstacle course contest among guards during the All-Star weekend in Candon City two weeks ago.
And in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup, Ahanmisi leads the Terrafirman charge which remains off to a fast start despite absorbing its first loss on Wednesday, 133-105, at the hands of Phoenix.
The 28-year-old guard finished with a career-high 37 points including 5-of-9 shooting from the three-point arc.
After his career suddenly spiraled after being traded by Magnolia to Terrafirma for Javi Gomez De Liano, Ahanmisi said hard work and discipline helped him get back on his feet.
“I’m just trying to take things one game at a time. I’m trying to be consistent with my work, be disciplined with my family and try to focus on the two most important things which is my family and basketball.
“So whatever things that come into my life are just bonus things – where I play, the Gilas opportunity, and where I am with my team.”
Joining Ahanmisi in the 3x3 team are Ginebra shooter Ralph Cu, Magnolia rookie Chris Koon, and Sean Alter of the University of the Philippines.
Kirk Collier and Patrick Fran will handle the team which leaves for Singapore next week.
Gilas is set to compete in the qualifying draw where it will play against Maldives and Thailand on April 2.
In the event it advances to the group stage, the country is going to be bracketed with 3x3 powerhouse Mongolia and Chinese Taipei.
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