DON Trollano wasn’t affected even a bit as he faced former team Rain or Shine for the first time since the one-on-one deal that brought him to TnT Katropa just before the start of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The third-year wingman said trades are part of every players’ career and therefore, emotions should have no place in it.
“OK naman. Wala namang hurt feelings,” said Trollano, who finished with six points and five rebounds in his first game opposite the Elasto Painters, who the Katropa dealt a 100-85 beating Saturday at the close of the eliminations at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Nangyayari naman yan sa buhay ng mga players yung nate-trade ka.”
Trollano was picked in the second round (15th overall) by Rain or Shine in the 2015 draft and was part of the team that won the championship of this same tournament two years ago.
But the partnership didn’t last long as the Elasto Painters decided to deal him away to the Katropa for big man Norbert Torres.
Jericho Cruz, also formerly of Rain or Shine and now a teammate of Trollano at TnT, also faced the Elasto Painters for the first time since a similar trade involving him for a 2018 first round pick, rookie Sidney Onwubere, and Kris Rosales.
Both him and Trollano had a good time going up against his former teammates.
“Kanina nga sa laro sinisigawan ako nila (Beau) Belga,” said Trollano with a big smile on his face. “Pero wala naman yun. Natural lang naman.”
Besides, Trollano said the Katropa needed the victory to clinch the no. 3 seed and gain enough confidence heading to the playoffs where the Elasto Painters are set to face no. 8 Globalport.
“Kailangan din naming manalo kasi going to the playoffs, kailangan may kumpiyansa kami,” he said.
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