Unquestionably, Don Trollano quickly adapted to the San Miguel environment after being traded by NLEX earlier this week, finding himself surrounded by familiar faces in the team.
Trollano was reunited with former Adamson teammates Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial, along with Leo Austria, the head coach of the Soaring Falcons during their college days, who is now the consultant of San Miguel.
Embarking on a new chapter of his career, Trollano made an impressive debut with 16 points in San Miguel’s 95-82 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 48th season Commissioner’s Cup.
TROLLANO: 'KUMPORTABLE AKO'
“Kumportable ako eh. Kasama ko na sila Jericho tapos ‘yung mga vets. Ginaguide nila ako. Parang at home. Mas relaxed,” said Trollano.
Trollano expressed his surprise at being reunited with his ex-Adamson teammates and Austria, the coach who recruited him for the Falcons.
“Siya ‘yung kumuha sa akin nung college. Masaya siyempre na after nine years na ata nung pumasok ako sa PBA, hindi ko akalain na magkakasama uli kami,” Trollano said.
ROSS: TROLLANO A COMPLETE PLAYER
His adaptability didn't go unnoticed by his new San Miguel teammates, with Chris Ross praising Trollano's play and describing him as a complete player.
“Don is a player. I’ve been raving about Don for years. He is a player. He came in and picked up the offense and defensive schemes that we are running. He made big shots. He is a complete player. He is very low maintenance,” said Ross.
Trollano, in turn, wasn't surprised by Ross's compliments.
“Even before na kahit nagkakalaban kami, lagi niya akong kinakausap na ‘I like your game.’ Kaya nung nalipat ako, parang at home at kumportable ako kahit three days pa lang ako nagpa-practice, parang matagal ko na silang kasama,” said Trollano.
Trollano heated up for the Beermen in the second quarter, scoring 12 out of the team’s 32 points in the period, contributing to a substantial 56-36 halftime lead.
“Sinabi lang ng mga coaches na just be aggressive kapag open ang tira. Na-shoot kasi ‘yung tira ko nung sa middle, nakita ko na pumasok. Nagkakumpiyansa. Kaya I started shooting,” said Trollano.
Trollano expressed optimism about consistently competing for championships with San Miguel.
“Parang may chance to compete sa championship. Historic franchise. Proven na silang winner. Lagi silang semis at champion. Naisip ko ‘yung chance to compete,” said Trollano, who has one championship in his belt as a member of Rain or Shine in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
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