At 33 years old, Paul Artadi is feeling young again.
He found his career re-energized at Blackwater where he is now the stabilizer at the point guard spot.
On Tuesday’s loss against his former team, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Artadi had a breakout game, scoring a career-high 21 points on 5-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc. But for Artadi, his adjustment from being the high-point man to being a bench warmer hasn’t been easy.
“Dati wala na kaming kumpiyansa. Mga bangko nga kami eh,” Artadi told media right after his team suffered its fourth straight loss. “Kaya hindi kami sanay na iiskor kami ng malaki.”
Artadi had no choice. He had to step up his game to prove that he still belongs in the PBA.
“Now, we know what Artadi can do. Iniiwan nila sa three-point area so naka five-out-of-nine. I think he can improve more,” said head coach Leo Isaac, who was surprised on how the point guard played.
For Artadi, being given a second chance is something he cherishes.
“Gusto ko na talagang mag-retiro noon lalo na injured ako for two seasons,” said Artadi. “Pero bata pa kasi mga anak ko, gusto nilang makita akong naglalaro, kaya naglaro pa rin ako,” he added.
After scoring 21 points, Artadi realized he can still compete even against players younger than him.
“I’m 33 pero tingin ko naman, pwede pa akong sumabay,” he added.
