AFTER more than a year, Kemark Carino finally got his reps on the court, playing nearly 10 minutes in Ginebra’s 112-91 blowout loss to Meralco on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
READ: Easy win for Meralco on Labor Day as Ginebra falls flat
The 6-foot-9 center missed the entire Season 49 and Season 50 Philippine Cup then sat out the Gin Kings' first nine games in the Commissioner’s Cup after being acquired in the offseason from Terrafirma for Ben Adamos.
Finally taking the floor once more, he hit his first shot and finished with two points and three rebounds.
“Siyempre sobrang thankful ako na nakabalik ulit ako sa court. Andami kong kailangan i-adjust eh, especially sa defense ko, naninibago ako,” he said.
“Pero madami pang time. Kailangan mag-double time ako para makahabol sa kanila.”
Drafted 13th overall in the Season 48 Draft, Carino immediately showed that he can make an impact in the pro league after making the All-Defensive and All-Rookie Teams.
Carino averaged 6.7 points, five rebounds, and nearly two blocks that season, and was part of the successful Dyip squad which pushed San Miguel in the All-Filipino quarterfinals.
He admits that he’s got a long way to go when it comes to regaining his game feel, but promises he’s working overtime to get there.
“Talagang naninibago lang ako. Iba yung feel sa practice at sa official games, pero yun nga, sabi ko nga, andami pang time para mag-double time ako,” he said.
“'Di naman sila mag-a-adjust sa'kin e. Ako yung mag-a-adjust para sa kanila, so ayun, adjustment lang.”
Nonetheless, he’s happy to finally get back on the floor and he vows to be ready each time his number is called.
“Siyempre, para akong naging rookie ulit na nag-sit out for almost a year. Parang unti-unti, makukuha ko na yung kumpyansa ko ulit,” he said.
“Sa'kin, ready naman ako any time. Yun nga lang, kailangan ko pa rin mag double-time.”
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