FOR the better part of the past three years, coach Egay Macaraya has tried to turn Michael Calisaan from an undersized power forward to a versatile winger, all in preparation for his jump to the PBA.
That time has come.
The tireless San Sebastian forward is entered in Sunday's 2018 PBA Rookie Draft, nervous but at the same time confident that he has prepared himself in every possible way for this new chapter in his basketball career.
"Sa tingin ko naman, handa na ako kasi ilang buwan na rin namin itong pinaghandaan," said the 6-3 forward. "Kung anong team man ang mapuntahan ko, maga-adjust ako."
Calisaan has been a frontcourt player for the better part of his collegiate career with the Golden Stags, but only out of necessity.
"Sa Baste, no choice lang kami sa NCAA. Hindi ako mailagay ni coach Egay sa tres kasi wala kaming import. Iilan lang kaming matatangkad kaya naglalaro po ako ng 4 or 5," he said of his battle with bigger counterparts from other schools.
"Lahat ng limang taon ko sa Baste, halos yung mga schools na nakakalaban ko sa NCAA may mga imports. So siguro advantage sa akin yun dahil sanay naman ako dumepensa ng mas malaki sa akin."
Despite the size disadvantage, Calisaan was able to hold his ground for the Golden Stags, collecting 14.6 points and 9.3 rebounds in his final NCAA season.
For him, everything that he's been put through by Macaraya, himself a former Sta. Lucia Realtor in the PBA, has prepared him for this next foray.
"Si coach Egay, very supportive siya sa akin. Kapag may kulang sa laro ko, sinasabihan niya akong dagdagan pa at pinu-push niya ako palagi. Para na kaming anak niya at tinuturing ko na rin siya na tatay ko sa Baste," he said.
"Wala ako dito kung hindi dahil sa kanya."
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