THEY are no longer teammates but Meralco’s Raymond Almazan and San Miguel’s Don Trollano and Jericho Cruz remain tight.
The three were part of the Rain or Shine team that captured its last PBA crown in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup. The bond remains strong to this day that Almazan even sent a direct message to Trollano before Game Seven of Meralco’s semifinal match against Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.
“Bago ng Game Seven, nag-message sa akin si Raymond sa Instagram,” said Trollano. “Sabi niya sa akin, ‘Boy, wait niyo ako sa finals.’”
The 32-year-old Trollano's response? “So sabi ko, sige bilisan niyo.”
Eventually, Almazan’s team did reach the finals after defeating Barangay Ginebra, 78-69, last Friday in San Jose, Batangas, arranging a duel with Trollano, Cruz, and the rest of the Beermen, who swept their former team Rain or Shine in their own series.
“Nandito na sila sa finals. I’m happy for him and I’m ready to compete,” said Trollano.
Fond memories of Rain or Shine days
The 34-year-old Almazan said his fond memories of their 2016 championship with the Elasto Painters have made him excited to face his former teammates in this finals series.
“Last championship ko, kasama ko pa si Jericho at si Don. Talagang I was excited talaga sa series na ‘to kasi last na nag-champion ako, kasama ko pa sila sa Rain or Shine noong 2016,” said Almazan.
During their time with Rain or Shine, Cruz said Almazan used to be his constant roommate during out-of-town games.
“’Yung samahan namin ni Raymond, hindi mawawala ‘yan,” said Cruz. “Lahat ng out-of-town kami, parati kaming roommate niyan. Marami kaming kalokohan na magkasama. At the same time, para ko na siyang kapatid din."
Even though he is now on a team that routinely wins championships, Trollano said their 2016 achievement with Rain or Shine is something that remains up there in terms of unforgettable moments of his career.
“’Yung Rain or Shine group namin, that was so special kasi siya ‘yung last championship ng independent team. Sadly, nabuwag agad,” said Trollano.
Ex-teammates battle for Philippine Cup title
Knowing what Almazan can do for Meralco, Cruz expects that the Bolts big man to be a threat to San Miguel’s title quest and bid to sweep the season titles.
“Ako, excited ako to play against him kasi alam natin kung ano kaya niyang gawin sa court eh. ‘Yung defensive mindset niya, nandiyan. Siyempre, ako gusto ko rin manalo against him. Hopefully, kami ang manalo,” said Cruz.
Almazan said Trollano and Cruz are definitely players that the Meralco defense must watch out for because of their ability to hit shots as well as defend.
“Hindi lang si June Mar [Fajardo] ‘yung pinaghahandaan talaga namin. We are a defensive team talaga kahit mga past season,” said Almazan.
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