ANTIPOLO – Beau Belga has seen players come and go at Rain or Shine over the years, but he admitted the recent trade involving Gian Mamuyac hurt a bit.
Belga said he had developed a close bond with Mamuyac in the four years that they were together, and it was sad that Rain or Shine had to let him go.
“Malalim pinagsamahan namin,” the 39-year-old Belga, 12 years older than Mamuyac, said. “That kid is very close sa akin.”
READ: Rain or Shine puts end to horror start, pins first loss on Phoenix
Tuesday marked the first time that Mamuyac faced his old team after Rain or Shine dealt its team captain and a Season 53 second round draft choice to Phoenix Super LPG for a Season 53 first round draft pick.
Mamuyac’s old team won the game with Rain or Shine beating Phoenix, 105-98.
Prior to the game, Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said in jest that Belga had a ‘request’ to him that the bruiser be fielded even for three minutes when Mamuyac is on the floor.
Belga didn’t get his ‘wish’ as he didn’t play in the game.
But apparently, Belga had been jokingly being physical at Mamuyac during practice prior to the trade.
“Binibiro ko nga siya the past few days before he got traded. Parang out of nowhere, bigla ko na lang kinakanti. Sabi ko, ‘Kaya pala sinasaktan na kita kasi mate-trade ka na.’ ‘Yun ang biro ko sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Oo nga, bakit mo ako sinasaktan nung mga nakaraang araw,’” Belga said.
After the game, Belga was jokingly throwing a knee at Mamuyac, and pulling him to the Rain or Shine dugout.
READ: Mamu dealt a downer as ex-squad RoS hands Phoenix its first loss
“I’m really close to everybody in this team,” Belga said. “Kumbaga masakit na mawalan ka ng teammate na close sayo but that’s how life is sa PBA.”
That is exactly how Belga and the Rain or Shine is treating the trade as it is part of being a professional basketball player. But even though they are no longer teammates, Belga said he cherishes what Mamuyac contributed not only to him but to the entire squad especially the leadership aspect.
“Maganda pinagsamahan namin ni Gian. Nothing to be like sasama ang loob. Magkasama kami matagal. Kami nag-draft sa kanya. Walang masamang tinapay. And that’s how life is sa PBA.
“Eh ako, bago ako nag-settle sa Rain or Shine, tatlong beses ako na-trade. Walang masamang tinapay sa kanya,” Belga said.
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