GERMY Mahinay got an earful from head coach Aldin Ayo in University of Santo Tomas' game against University of the Philippines just last Wednesday.
Four days later, Mahinay redeemed himself in the eyes of his coach.
“Siguro na-motivate lang ako, yun nga, binigyan pa rin ako ni coach Aldin ng kumpyansa," said Mahinay after playing an instrumental role in the Growling Tigers’ 78-70 win over the FEU Tamaraws.
"Atsaka di ko naman sinayang para di na maulit yung nangyari last game,” added the bruising forward. “Ginawa ko lang, kung ano binibigay ni coach Aldin na sistema, sumasandal lang kami.”
Mahinay scored 10 points and grabbed eight boards while putting a huge defensive effort on Prince Orizu, who torched the Tigers in their first-round meeting with a career-best 26 points.
Orizu was limited to just eight points this time.
“Siguro nga maganda yung nilaro namin kasi nakasandal kami sa sistema atsaka binigyan kami ng magandang opportunities ni coach,” Mahinay added. “Kung ano pinapagawa ng coaches, ginagawa lang namin.”
Ayo was naturally happy with the way Mahinay bounced back.
However, Ayo was quick to remind everyone that while Mahinay may be big and menacing, he’s still just a kid that needs a lot of guidance.
”Si Germy, he may be the biggest, but one of the youngest players eh. And pag pinagsasabihan ko, nagre-respond,” said Ayo.
Like CJ (Cansino). Actually all of them. Everytime I tell them something, all of them respond. Again, maganda yun kung coach ka. Kasi makakapag coach ka talaga ng maayos.”