WITH open arms, Ato Ular welcomed his move from one team to another.
The third year big man said being dealt by NLEX to Phoenix was certainly a breath of fresh air to his playing career that unfortunately, has been stagnant for about a season.
On Friday night, Ular was back on the court and played his first game in the PBA after a long while, as the Fuel Masters utilized their newest acquisition in a 139-127 loss to San Miguel in the 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While he commiserated in Phoenix’s absorbing a seventh straight loss in Group B, Ular at the same time also heaved a sigh of relief that at least, he was able to see action again.
“At least binigyan ako ulit ng opportunity na makapagpag kahit paano, kasi ang tagal kong nawala e. Nanibago ako sa competition na naman,” he said.
READ: Phoenix trades Javee Mocon to NLEX for Ato Ular, 2nd-round pick
Ular was traded by NLEX, along with a second round pick in Season 51, to the Fuel Masters in exchange of Javee Mocon.
Ular's long layoff
By his own estimate, he hasn't played for about six months since last suiting up for the Road Warriors in March of this year against Converge.
Ular said he was injury-free while still with NLEX, which acquired him last February from Blackwater as part of a three-team trade that centered on big man Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser.
“Nabakante lang nang ganun katagal,” he said of his short stint with the Road Warriors.
That’s why somehow, he’s grateful for coach Jamike Jarin for giving him some playing minutes in his Phoenix debut.
He played for six minutes and went scoreless, but managed to grab four rebounds.
“Sinasabihan niya (Jarin) ako na kailangan niya ng rebound. Lagi niya akong tsina-challenge na rebound. Kasi nung nag-practice na ako, ang sabi niya rebound kasi yun ang kulang ng team,” the 29-year-old forward said of his role with the Fuel Masters.
He believes that after a few more games, he’ll be able to regain his game and confidence.
“Kaunting pagpag pa, makukuha ko ulit yung laro ko at makakabawi rin. Kailangan kong patunayan sa sarili ko pati sa mga tao na kaya ko ring makipagsabayan sa PBA,” said Ular, an All-Rookie Team member in 2022-23.
“Hopefully, dito, makabawi ako.”
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