DYLAN Ababou no longer minds the constant trades.
Not that he has become used to it. Rather, the soft-spoken forward considers it a blessing that he continues to be around playing in a 'cut-throat' league like the PBA.
“Masyado ng masikip ang competition among players sa PBA ngayon,” Ababou said shortly after making his debut with Globalport on Wednesday night in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Kaya blessing ngayon 'yung may mapaglaruan kang team. Ibig sabihin may gusto pa ring kumuha sa 'yo,” Ababou added. “Di bale na yung paulit-ulit kang ma-trade, basta may team ka.”
Just last week, the 30-year-old Ababou found himself on the move again after he was dealt by Blackwater Elite – along with James Forrester – to get its hands on KG Canaleta.
Globalport is his third team in less than a season. Last year, he suited up for TnT Katropa before being shipped to Blackwater prior to the start of the Philippine Cup in exchange for big man Frank Golla. His stint with the Elite lasted just a conference.
In all, the former UAAP MVP from University of Santo Tomas, is with his fifth pro team since entering the league in 2011 as the first round pick (10th overall) of Barako Bull in the rookie draft. He also had previous stint with Barangay Ginebra.
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Initially, he found it hard picking up the pieces after every trade.
Not anymore.
“Kasi naging ganun na ang mind set ko, na at least andito pa rin ako at nabibigyan ng opportunity para makalaro,” said Ababou, a member of the original Smart Gilas team under coach Rajko Toroman.
“Imagine mo na lang 'yung talent na dumating this season, tapos next year pa. So padami ng padami talaga ang mga players dito.”
Ababou made sure he made an impression in his debut with the Batang Pier, finishing with 17 points as the second leading scorer for the team in a 113-96 loss to Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
He was 6-of-10 from the field and made five three pointers in 27 minutes of play as part of Globalport’s starting unit.
“Nakatulong ako sa team, 'yun nga lang on a losing cause,” he said. “Ang mindset ko ngayon is to keep on improving lang and paano pa ako makakatulong sa Globalport.”
Although surprised that he was inserted in the starting five by coach Franz Pumaren, Ababou said the move gave him a timely confidence boost.
“Nagkaroon ako ng confidence kasi ibig sabihin nilagay ni Coach Franz yung trust niya sa akin na maging first unit ako,” added Ababou, a member of the last University of Santo Tomas varsity team to win a UAAP championship in 2006.
Ababou also said the impressive numbers were not meant to show off against Ginebra and his one-time teammates.
“Hindi naman,” Ababou said smiling. “Gusto ko lang makalaro, enjoy lang ako, relax lang.”
Hopefully, he’ll finally found a home at Globalport.
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