ANTIPOLO – Paolo Hernandez admitted getting a bit surprised when he suddenly found himself traded to San Miguel from Terrafirma.
From a team that hardly made the playoffs to a franchise that is the most accomplished in PBA history.
The adjustment indeed, is real, according to him.
“Merong ganung emotions kasi to a champion team di ba, mate-trade ka. So kailangan talagang mag-adapot and mag-adjust,” said the 27-year-old guard from Mapua.
READ: King powers San Miguel past Macau to open PBA Govs Cup in style
On Tuesday night, a new journey in Hernandez’s young pro career began when he played his first game with the Beermen, a 123-109 victory against guest team Macau at the Ynares Center.
Hernandez played for just six minutes and only had an assist and a turnover during that time when he was on the floor.
According to him he has yet to have a full grasp of the system being run by the reigning and defending Philippine Cup champions.
“Hindi pa talaga ganun ka-solid kasi first game lang, tapos halos a month pa lang ako nag-eensayo,” Hernandez said, originally picked by Barangay Ginebra in the second round of the Season 49 draft before being dealt to Terrafirma for a future second round pick.
He came on board just a month ago along with Jerrick Ahanmisi in a trade with the Dyip for Juami Tiongson, rookie Chris Miller, and a Season 52 draft pick.
While there is also some similarities with the system of both Terrafirma and San Miguel, Hernandez said it’s the Beermen’s winning tradition that somehow overwhelms him.
“This is a champion team. Kailangan kong mag-adopt kung ano yung atmosphere na nangyayari dito,” he stressed.
“Meron ka talagang chance na manalo (championship), pero kailangan pag-trabahuhan kung ano yung part ko, kung ano yung role ko,” he said.
Hernandez averaged a second-best 9.8 points among locals in his last conference with Terrafirma while adding 2.9 rebounds and 3.2 assists, numbers which he hopes to replicate once he finally settles down with his new team.
“Hopefully, next game makabawi at maka-adjust na ako,” he said.
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