JUAMI Tiongson had to let go of his No. 3 jersey following his move to San Miguel, signalling a new beginning in his PBA career with No. 33 on his back.
Tiongson revealed he already had permission to take No. 3 as the former owner, Mo Tautuaa, has already given the jersey number to him for the conference.
READ Tiongson moves on after 'bittersweet' trade to San Miguel
However, he was told it wasn't available.
“Actually, nag-number 3 ako, binigay na sa akin ni Mo. Sabi nila na bawal na. I guess double-locked na,” said Tiongson after making his SMB debut in a 107-104 escape against Phoenix.
When asked why Tiongson was barred from changing numbers, he said he wasn’t really sure.
“Actually, hindi ko rin alam. Sinabihan po ako na bawal,” said Tiongson.
It was while donning No. 3 that Tiongson enjoyed the best years of his career, including at Terrafirma where he bagged a place in the Second Mythical Team in 2024, his highest award as a player.
Tiongson admitted he wanted other numbers for his stint with San Miguel, but decided against it.
“May numbers rin ako na nasa legend na eh and retired na, ayoko rin naman sila bastusin. I have to respect those players that came before me,” said Tiongson.
Tiongson admitted the No. 5 jersey that he wore with Ateneo came to mind, but decided against it, too, in deference to an SMB great, who happens to be a former teammate and friend.
Of course, that number was worn by Alex Cabagnot, a member of the ‘Death Five’ who won nine championships with San Miguel.
“No. 5 nga po pero kay Alex ‘yun eh. Love ko pa naman si Alex,” said Tiongson of Cabagnot, his former teammate at Terrafirma from 2021 to 2023 who now plays for Converge.
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