MAVERICK Ahanmisi's return from injury truly became a memorable one.
The veteran guard finally fulfilled a long-cherished dream to share the court with brother Jerrick Ahanmisi, as they suited up together for Terrafirma in its PBA Philippine Cup game against Phoenix Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
The Ahanmisis were together inside the playing court early in the second quarter when Maverick came in for the first time with 9:55 to play, marking the first time he saw action in Season 50.
The stint lasted for almost five minutes, but was significant enough for the Ahanmisi brothers to enjoy the moment and savor history.
"This is the first time we've ever been in the same team for the first time ever in life. So it's really cool," noted Maverick after the game.
READ: Rivero, Ahanmisi brothers mark a rare moment in PBA history
The elder Ahanmisi added loved ones and relatives were ecstatic the moment Maverick joined Jerrick at Terrafirma following the former's trade from Ginebra along with Aljon Mariano for the Dyip's first round pick in Season 51.
"They're excited actually. A lot of them wanted to come over here now since it's easier for them to watch both of us play," said Maverick.
Jerrick was the first to arrive at Terrafirma after being dealt by Magnolia for the rights to Javi Gomez de Liano just before the start of the season.
Weeks after, Maverick followed suit.
Maverick on the way back
Lost in the historic backdrop was Terrafirma going down against Phoenix, 107-76, for its sixth straight loss even as Maverick finally played his first game with the team after recuperating from a toe injury.
The 34-year-old Fil-Nigerian played for 11 minutes and finished with four points, going 1-of-3 from the field.
He actually did better than his brother Jerrick, the Dyip’s leading scorer this conference who was held to just two points on 1-of-8 shooting, but grabbed six rebounds in 21 minutes of action.
Maverick admitted feeling good, but not 100-percent just yet.
“I’m not 100-percent yet. I would say about 60 to 70-percent, but I’m happy I was able to play still,” said Ahanmisi, a No. 3 overall pick by Rain or Shine in the 2015 draft.
The injury was sustained during a practice with Ginebra just a week before he was traded, which made him miss the Gin Kings’ season debut against the Hotshots.
“It’s like having an MCL sprain on my foot, on my toe actually,” he shared. “But yeah, I’m ok now, feeling a lot better.”
Maverick said the game against the Fuel Masters was a test case for him.
“The game was like my testing if my foot is ok,” he added.
With the league taking a three-week break to give way to Gilas Pilipinas’ FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers, Ahanmisi will take advantage of the time to further strengthen his foot.
“We have a three-week break now until our next game. So that three weeks is going to help me just resting and doing rehab,” he said.
Terrafirma (1-6) will resume its campaign on Dec. 6 against Titan Ultra (2-5) at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
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