REPLICATING Lebron James’ suit-and-shorts combo when he came to the game on Saturday, Ryan Araña unfortunately suffered the same fate as his idol when he exited the Smart Araneta Coliseum after GlobalPort’s 109-103 defeat to Alaska.
“Same thing yung nangyari eh,” he said, shaking his head as he and the rest of the Batang Pier incurred an L in the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Arana, though, didn’t fail to make light of the situation, joking, “Swerte din sila, di pa ako pinaglaro ni coach, pero kung nandoon ako… Joke lang,” before bursting into laughter.
“Tiniis ko na nga lang. Kanina, pawis na pawis ako papasok dito eh. Pero may kasabihan nga sila, if you can’t perform, japorms.”
Arana is not one to shy away from being a fashion trendsetter, as evidenced by his loud collection of sneakers which ranges from pink to neon colorways.
And though the day’s outfit garnered him giggles, he’s hoping that this starts a revolution of sorts for players to dress up when coming to the games.
“Para din maiba naman, o para din maka-encourage sa ibang players na magsuot, mag-dress up talaga when you go to the game,” he said. “Minsan kasi may mga players na nakapang-bahay lang na pumupunta ng game. So siguro respect na lang din na magpunta tayo ng game na well-dressed para magandang tingnan at kagalang-galang din pagdating sa game.”
The movement, as Arana says, is poised to start in GlobalPort.
“Parang ako pa ang naging pasimuno,” he said after already encouraging teammates Jeric Teng and Jonathan Grey to follow suit to his fashion statements.
He continued: “Tawang tawa sila kasi kalahati ng team, talagang Cavs fans. Nung nakita nila yung suot ko, especially Jeric, tuwang tuwa siya. Kaya ine-encourage ko rin si Jeric and Jonathan next game na magsuot kami ng kakaiba.”
And what will those outfits be inspired from?
“Tignan na lang natin,” said Arana as he built up the anticipation for the team’s next game. “Sabi nila Westbrook daw. Tignan natin kung ano ang mangyayari. Game naman ang teammates ko eh.”
Don’t be blinded by these playful gestures, though. When the team gets on the court, the Batang Pier mean business.
“When we’re inside the court, seryoso kaming lahat kasi yung panalo ang gusto naming ibigay sa team,” said Arana.