At 30 years of age, Ogie Menor is starting all over again
Six-year league veteran Ogie Menor had to give up his professional career to pursue a job abroad. For one whole year, he went around the United States of America to teach kids the fundamentals of the game he loved.
“Nagco-coach ako ng mga bata mga eighth and ninth grader. Pumupunta kami sa iba-ibang state para lumaro,” Menor shared.
And once he returned to the country, Menor, who last played for the Blackwater Elite back in the 40th season of the PBA, immediately headed to coach Franz Pumaren at the office of Globalport Batang Pier to see if he still has a spot on the team.
“Pagdating ko pa lang, pumunta ako sa practice ng Global. Nagkita-kita kami last week lang. May jet lag pa nga ako nun eh,” the 30-year-old swingman shared.
“Siya talaga ang naging guide ko para makabalik. Sabi ko sa sarili ko pag bumalik si coah Franz sa PBA, gusto ko bumalik. Kahit di niya ako kunin.
“Siya talaga ang batayan ko para naging fit ulit. I’m totally out of shape, naglaro ako sa Washington, then umuwi ako,” he admitted.
However, his conditioning is still not up to the task of the PBA grind. That is why he was sent over to the PBA D-League to play under coach Eric Gonzales’ Team Batangas.
Menor made his return to the local collegiate scene Thursday afternoon in a losing effort against the AMA Titans, 101-95. He played just 15 minutes in the game, finishing with nine points on 3-of-7 shooting, five rebounds, and two assists.
“Okay naman. Wala pa sa kundisyon. Nagpapakundisyon ako pero iba pa rin yung sa team ka nagpa-practice,” Menor reflected about his first game back.
“Challenge sa akin ito. Parang nangarap na ulit ako galing collegiate. Maglalaro ako sa D-League para makabalik ako sa PBA.”
Aside from his conditioning, Menor’s leadership and maturity are also being tested as his current team is filled with young cagers that are also aspiring to play in the big league.
“Sinasabi nga ni coach pag huddle, kuya Ogie daw. Sabi ko coach bata pa ako,” the Isabela native quipped.
“Siguro yung leadership ang hinahanap niya na maging leader ako talaga sa loob ng court.”
