ANTIPOLO – Mac Belo sat out Rain or Shine's game against Phoenix in the PBA on Tour on Friday, two days after he signed a new deal with his new team.
But Belo said he can't wait to begin his career reboot with the Elasto Painters.
“Unang-una, nagpapasalamat ako kay coach Yeng [Guiao] sa pagtanggap. Sobrang excited na ako na maka-join sa team,” Belo told reporters after Rain or Shine’s 113-104 win over Phoenix Super LPG at the Ynares Center.
READ: Instead of ranting, Belo walked away from big money
Belo said he and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao mutually agreed that he is not ready yet to see action on Friday.
“Actually, nag-practice na ako dalawang beses. Nag-decide lang kami na hindi muna ako palaruin para makuha ko pa ‘yung sistema. Hopefully, next week,” said Belo.
Belo is looking for a career revival after seeing limited action for Meralco for three years until his signing rights were traded to Rain or Shine for Norbert Torres.
Even though he took a sabbatical with the Bolts, Belo said he kept himself in shape by maintaining a very active lifestyle playing basketball regularly even in outdoor courts, and even playing a bit of tennis during the break.
This perhaps explains the sentiments of some netizens that the 30-year-old Belo may have lose a considerable amount of weight, based on photos released by Rain or Shine during his signing.
“Wala namang problema sa condition. Ang inaano ko na lang is ‘yung game shape. Kahit hindi ako naglalaro, active naman ako. Maraming ginagawa. Kulang sa akin ‘yung game shape,” said Belo.
“Babad araw. Laging babad sa araw. Lagi akong naglalaro sa open court,” said Belo.
“Noong ano pa naman ‘to nung nasa kabilang team pa ako. Weight ko nung college. Mukha lang akong pumayat kasi umitim eh,” said Belo with a smile.
Belo thanked fans who wish him well and look forward to seeing him regain the form that won him a UAAP Finals MVP with Far Eastern University in 2015 and made him a starter during his days with Blackwater.
He only promises to do his best to regain his old form.
“Nagpapasalamat pa rin kasi kahit papano, marami pa ring nakaka-miss sa akin na maglaro. Pero excited ako na makalaro uli. Gagawin ko lang every game ‘yung best ko,” said Belo.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
