IT’S a new beginning for Maverick Ahanmisi at Barangay Ginebra, and it also reflects in his jersey number.
Maverick Ahanmisi on fresh start at Ginebra
Ahanmisi was initially set to wear No. 30 but fans were not that receptive to it due to the fact that it was the number owned by Ginebra great Eric Menk.
He decided to shift to No. 00, which fits him just right as he starts a new chapter of his PBA career.
“Some of the fans don’t want me wearing that number so I respect it. I changed my number to 00. It’s more so like a starting from scratch to me,” said Ahanmisi, who also thumbed down the use of the No. 13 he had used ever since due to Jayjay Helterbrand.
With the jersey number now aside, Ahanmisi is excited for the coming season as he plays for Ginebra, a team that he admittedly pursued.
“As much as you enjoy playing against Ginebra, you also want to be on that side as well,” said Ahanmisi during the PBA Media Day on Wednesday at One Esplanade, his first public appearance since signing with the Gin Kings.
“I pursued Ginebra as well as they did me. I think it was just a great fit. I’m just blessed to be in this position right now,” said the 32-year-old Ahanmisi.
Before moving to Ginebra, Ahanmisi was coming off an excellent year where he averaged 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals for Converge.
But now that he is moving to a deep roster, Ahanmisi said he is willing to contribute anything, not necessarily through points, in order to help Ginebra win championships.
Ahanmisi last tasted a championship during his rookie season when Rain or Shine claimed the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup.
“The team is stacked. I’m just here to help an already great team just any way I can. Whether it’s rebounds, assists, leadership, every facet they already have, I’m here for a reason. I’m just trying to win like everybody else,” said Ahanmisi.
“That’s what you live for. That’s what you want to play here for is that pressure trying to win a title. There’s not very many players or many organizations that can say they’re always contending for a title. So that’s what you kind of sign up when you play here,” he added.
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