Rank Country Gold Silver Bronze Total
    View Today
    Sun, Nov 5

    Elorde looks forward to PBA return, but focus now is on GenSan in MPBL

    Veteran guard grateful for opportunity from Warriors
    Jul 5, 2022
    Nico Elorde GenSan Warriors MPBL
    Nico Elorde is happy in the MPBL.
    PHOTO: MPBL

    NICO Elorde didn’t deny a PBA comeback is definitely on his plan, but helping the GenSan Warriors in their MPBL campaign is his top priority at the moment.

    Nico Elorde on PBA comeback bid

    The 30-year-old Elorde has found a new home with the Warriors after failing to reach an agreement with NorthPort management on a new contract prior to the start of PBA Season 47.

    And while he still looks forward to taking his act to Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay league in the future, GenSan definitely has his attention right now.

    “Galing na tayo dun (PBA). Siyempre gusto natin makabalik sa PBA. Yan ang no. 1 league sa Pilipinas, e,” said Elorde.

    “Pero masaya ako sa MPBL. Binigyan nila ako ng chance to play again professionally. I’m just taking it day by day and happy that I was given the chance to play again the game I love.”

    The grandson of the late boxing great Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde didn’t come to terms with NorthPort on the length of his supposed new contract, leaving him without a team for the season-opening Philippine Cup.

    But SPIN.ph learned from sources the Batang Pier and Elorde almost agreed to a new contract prior to the start of the season. Unfortunately, the development came a bit late as NorthPort already submitted its official lineup to the league by then.

    Elorde eventually ended up agreeing to play with the Warriors after staying in playing condition by training with former Phoenix guard Mike Gamboa to improve his conditioning and offensive skills.

    He was signed up on June 12 and made his debut with GenSan two days after.

    “During my first practice (with them), nabagsakan yung kamay ko. Parang na-sprain siya, kaya hindi ako makatira,” said Elorde.

    Despite the pain, he made his MPBL debut in a 79-77 overtime loss to Sarangani Marlins as Elorde finished with seven points and three assists.

    Victory finally came his way against Quezon City in a 114-83 blowout last July 2, with Elorde contributing nine points, three rebounds, and six assists.

    ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

    The Warriors currently occupy sixth spot in the Southern Division with a 2-4 record.

    And while GenSan still has a long way to go in order to compete with top contenders like Batangas City Embassy Chill and Zamboanga Familys Brand Sardines in the Southern Division and Nueva Ecija Vanguards and Bataan Risers in the North, Elorde said winning a championship will always remain as the top goal.

    “Gusto kong mag-champion. Yuna naman ang goal ko talaga,” he said. “Sa MPBL nandito ako ngayon so siyempre gusto ko ring mag-champion. Lahat naman ng players yan ang gusto.”

    MORE FROM SPIN
    MORE FROM SPIN

      And while he still looks forward to returning to the PBA, that very same goal remains for him.

      “Sa NorthPort hindi pa kami nakapag-champion, pero naka semis naman kami. At least na-experience ko yung nakapag-semifinals,” he said.

      “Sana hindi pa yun tapos, and sana makakuha rin ako ng championship sa PBA.”

      Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

      Read Next
      Watch Now
      Sorry, no results found for
      Nico Elorde is happy in the MPBL.
      PHOTO: MPBL
    • POLL

      • Quiz

        Quiz Result