AFTER moving to the professional ranks, Don Trollano never thought that he would be reunited with his former Adamson coach Leo Austria.
Trollano said Austria was the reason why he joined Adamson, the school that gave him the opportunity to showcase his wares and eventually get to the PBA where he is now in his eighth season.
READ Adamson connection makes Don Trollano feel at home at San Miguel
Initially, Trollano said he was playing for University of the East until a coaching change from the late Lawrence Chongson to Red Warriors great Jerry Codinera in 2011 left him in a state of uncertainly.
“That time kasi nasa UE kasi ako, Team B kay coach Lawrence Chongson. Biglang pumasok si coach Jerry Codinera, naalis kami,” said Trollano, who was recently acquired in a trade by San Miguel where Austria is a former coach and now consultant.
“Nakita niya ako nung Fr. Martin [Cup] naglaro. Right after natanggal kami, tinawagan niya ako. Pumunta ng Adamson. Doon na nag-start.”
Trollano later found out that Austria had spotted him in a game that didn’t involve Adamson.
“Nabanggit niya sa akin na kalaban daw namin La Salle, kami nila Roi Sumang ‘yun sa Team B. Maganda ‘yung nilaro ko nun. ‘Yun siguro naging first impression niya,” said Trollano.
Trollano eventually moved up to Team A where he played for the Soaring Falcons from 2012 to 2014, with the first two seasons under Austria. The Catanduanes native had his best season individually in 2014, although the Falcons finished at the bottom of the standings after winning a single game.
That didn’t prevent Trollano from being noticed as he was drafted in the second round by Yeng Guiao for Rain or Shine in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, and played for TNT, Blackwater, and NLEX before being traded to San Miguel.
Trollano thrilled by Austria reunion
Trollano said he thought a reunion with Austria would never happen.
“Siya ‘yung kumuha sa akin nung college. Masaya kasi after eight years, hindi ko akalain na magkakasama uli kami,” said Trollano.
At NLEX , Trollano emerged as one of the rising stars of the league. He averaged 16.2 points (eighth in the league), 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists last season while shooting a league-best 43.8 percent from threes for the Road Warriors.
Trollano said he fully understands that the PBA is a business and vowed to play wherever he is wanted.
“Business ito eh. Talagang kasama ito sa buhay namin na nate-trade," he said. "As long as may trabaho ka, kahit saan."
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