ALJON Mariano said he will miss his time with Barangay Ginebra, but is also quick to move on as he turns a new leaf in his PBA career with Terrafirma.
The 33-year-old Mariano has played with the Gin Kings since he was drafted by the ballclub at No. 16 overall in 2015. He was part of the package that brought Maverick Ahanmisi to Terrafirma for the Dyip’s Season 51 first-round draft pick.
“Siyempre 10 years din,” said Mariano. “Hindi mo masasabi na hindi ko mami-miss kasi ang tagal, ang dami kong pinagsamahan, ang dami kong experience with them since nung na-draft ako. Talagang ‘yun na ‘yung routine ko na everyday with Ginebra. ‘Yung mga playoffs, championships na pinagsamahan namin.”
READ Converge showcases newfound depth in lopsided win over Terrafirma
“Pero wala eh, I have to move on lang na dito na ako sa bagong team ko,” Mariano said.
Needless to say, Mariano was surprised to be traded by the only team he played for, but knows that even though he lasted for a decade with a team, anything can happen.
“Nung una, hindi ko naman inaasahan. Pero wala eh. Kasama talaga ‘yun sa propesyon namin. May chance talaga na ma-trade ka. Kahit sino naman eh,” said Mariano.
All of a sudden, Mariano has become a veteran in a young team at Terrafirma and he is embracing a new role.
“Kailangan lang mag-focus dito sa team na ‘to, and give experience sa mga players na ito kasi mas bata itong mga ‘to. So everyday, sa practice sabi ni coach, tulungan ko sila mag-improve din as well as me, mag-improve din ako,” said Mariano.
Mariano also wants to make the most out of the playing time with Terrafirma which was what he exactly did on Wednesday when the former University of Santo Tomas standout had 10 points, two rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes and 20 seconds of playing time in a lopsided loss to Converge.
“Siyempre, adjustment pa kasi parang less than a week pa ako nag-practice with them. Improvement lang every day in every game… Nag-aadjust din na more playing minutes sa court. Ayun lang, enjoy lang while in the court and take the opportunity lang, not take it for granted,” said Mariano.
Mariano also thinks that Terrafirma has the pieces to build a respectable finish this conference.
“’Yung mga dito, nakasama ko na before. So ‘yung pag-adapt and ‘yung chemistry na bini-build dito, madali akong makapag-adjust. Kapag nakabalik na si Maverick, medyo mas loadad na ‘yung team… Ito kasi, mas bata. So experience lang every game and to get better every game and sa practice,” said Mariano.
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