AMONG the many thrusts of the University of the Philippines’ fiery offense over the last five seasons is its captain-slash-master of the midrange Gerry Abadiano.
And in their twice-to-beat clincher against Katipunan rival Ateneo in UAAP Season 88, the Fighting Maroons leaned on Abadiano and his signature 'Gerry Shot' in the clutch.
He fired 16 of his 18 points in the the fourth quarter, going 7-of-11 from the field overall, including 6-of-8 from his favorite spot to help seal the deal in a 79-75 victory.
READ: Abadiano wills UP past Ateneo all the way to twice-to-beat
Without a doubt, being a master of the midrange didn’t happen overnight. It took years of repetition - hundreds each and every practice, in fact.
The graduating State U skipper shared how he’d literally put up shot after shot until the feel became second nature.
How many, exactly? Even he can't put an exact figure on it.
“Marami kasi minsan ‘pag nag-e-extra [practice], two hours before, one hour before, hindi ko matantsa kung gaano karami,” Abadiano told SPIN.ph, also crediting skills coach Patrick Tancioco and Better Basketball.
“Siguro buong practice, nasa mga 200 to 300 shots per practice kasama mga scrimmages. May mga drills pa kami para du’n — ‘di lang naman sa midrange, pero sa three points din.”
Must from midrange
And the reason behind all those attempts from the same area? The necessity of overcoming his 5-foot-11 stature.
“Sa height ko, hindi naman ako gaanong katangkaran talaga. Kung sumiksik ako sa loob, siyempre ‘yung mga kalaban namin, ‘di naman din kaliitan. Malaki rin sila at mahaba," he said.
“Pinupulido ko na lang talaga siya kahit hindi ko naman siya talagang perfect. Pina-practice naman ‘yun so every time sa game mangyayari ‘yung ganung bagay, kusa na lang siyang lumalabas.”
Now in the twilight of his college career, Abadiano’s confidence in his signature shot is at its peak.
Give him the ball in his sweet spot and the UP skipper won’t hesitate.
"One hundred percent," he answered when asked about how confident he is if and when he releases his 'Gerry Shot.'
“Hindi naman siya biglang pasok lagi [mga tira ko] na pagdating sa basketball, ganun agad ‘yung move na nagagawa ko.
“Nagkataon lang siguro ‘yung binigay ng sitwasyon sa game at kinukuha ko lang talaga.”
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