SO early in his PBA career, Paolo Hernandez has quickly realized the highs and lows of a professional basketball career.
During the 49th Season draft, Hernandez was picked No. 22 by the league’s most popular team Barangay Ginebra in the second round. But his stint with the Gin Kings didn’t last as he, along with Hamad Hanapi, was traded to Terrafirma in exchange for a 50th season second-round pick.
The 25-year-old Hernandez admitted he knew that he was being traded during draft day itself.
“Actually, nalaman ko na ‘yun nung draft day,” Hernandez said. “Medyo na-confuse lang pero sabi ko naman before ako pumasok ng PBA Draft, kahit sinong team na magbigay sa akin ng chance, iga-grab ko talaga. I’m not expecting na Ginebra pero Terrafirma ‘yung kumuha sa akin.”
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“Confusing kasi as a rookie, hindi ako familiar sa mga ganun. After the trade, I just prayed na lang. Kasi before naman, kahit anong team talaga na magbigay sa akin ng change, i-gagrab ko talaga. Walang alinlangan, trabaho agad,” said Hernandez.
Hernandez insisted he didn't dwell on the switch from the popular Kings to the lowly Dyip.
“Siyempre, Ginebra ‘yan eh. Lahat ng players gustong makapaglaro diyan. Pero Terrafirma ang nagbigay sa akin ng chance. Binibigay ko lang ‘yung 100 percent sa tiwalang binigay nila sa akin,” Hernandez added.
Hernandez showed his value to Terrafirma on Wednesday when he scored 15 points on an efficient 5-of-7 from the field. Though he would rather wanted to win the game, the former Mapua standout was glad to be able to contribute.
“Dumating lang ‘yung shots ko, tinira ko lang. Maraming scorers sa amin. ‘Yung role ko, ginagawa ko lang which is defense to create for our guards Juami [Tiongson] and Stanley [Pringle], and mga bigs. Eventually, dumating lang ‘yung mga shots na ‘yun. In God’s grace talaga, nasu-shoot ‘yung mga shots,” said Hernandez.
“May mga ganun play kami na lahat kami puwedeng tumira. Napupunta lang sa akin ‘yung open shots and I just take it,” said Hernandez.
'Welcome to PBA' moment
The rookie said Wednesday’s game also saw him experience a ‘Welcome to the PBA’ moment from Meralco veteran Chris Banchero.
“Siyempre, pisikalan. Si Kuya Chris, matagal na rin sa liga. Alam ko kung ano ang capabilities niya. I’m just doing my best na mapigilan siya,” he said.
“Na-welcome ako sa PBA. Tinirahan ako ng tinirahan,” said Hernandez. “Always looking forward ako for improvement. Ayokong makuntento sa kung ano ang kaya ko, sa kung anong meron ako.
"Happy ako na nakakatapat ko sila, ‘yung mga beterano. Alam ko na marami pa akong makakatapat na ganyan. Happy ako na nacha-challenge ako kahit na tinitirahan ako. Hindi ako magba-back down sa kahit sino.”
Despite the physicality between the two, Hernandez said Banchero was not selfish with advice.
“Actually, nag-usap kami sa court. 'Good shot, good defense.' I’m looking forward na kahit sino ‘yung ipatrabaho sa akin ng mga coaches. Happy ako na si Kuya Chris ang natapat sa akin. Marami akong natutunan.
"Sana sa mga next games, ma-apply ko,” Hernandez said.
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