ARVIN Tolentino is burying the bitter memories of the past and aims to have a fresh start, and he found no better way to signal that new chapter with a number change.
The graduating forward has swapped his jersey number from 13 to 41 and proudly showed off that shift in FEU's 68-61 win over La Salle on Sunday to start its UAAP Season 81 campaign.
Asked what's with the change, Tolentino answered: "Kasi idol ko si Dirk (Nowitzki)."
Tolentino has worn No. 13 since freshman year with Ateneo, when he was named UAAP Season 77 Rookie of the Year.
But with collegiate career coming down to a close this season, the 6-foot-4 forward is drawing inspiration from one of his idols Dirk Nowitzki as he eyes to end his UAAP career with a ring.
"Noong 2011, yun yung only championship ni Dirk. Parang gusto ko na ganoon yung mangyari sa akin kasi last year ko na," he said.
Tolentino did show how badly he wanted that dream to become a reality, leading the Tamaraws with 13 points and four rebounds to start their campaign on a winning note.
However, he's far from reaching the heights Nowitzki has achieved, with coach Olsen Racela playfully chiding him, "Wala ngang na-shoot noong first half sa three-points eh."
Tolentino, however, is keeping his hopes up as FEU aims to once again scale the UAAP men's basketball mountain and end his collegiate run with a title.
"Sana," he wished.
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