The NLEX Road Warriors have started their campaign towards change, pulling their first move by acquiring the services of seven-year center Rabeh Al-Hussaini a week ago. But as changes come, sacrifices have to be made.
And in that case, it was the rookie Alfonzo Gotladera who took the bullet.
The 25-year-old Gilas cadet had been deactivated from the main roster last March 30 to give way for the 28-year-old Al-Hussaini, who was acquired by NLEX through a three-team trade with his former team Meralco and Blackwater.
But despite what happened, the big man does not dwell on the negatives brought along by the move. Instead, he even sees it as a challenge, one that will bring growth to his still-developing career.
“I felt challenged,” claimed Gotladera moments after Gilas’ practice Monday night, when asked how his initial reaction was upon learning the news. “I know naman na Rabeh would give more help in terms of physicality and experience.
“Pero it doesn’t stop me from working hard naman and proving myself whenever coach Yeng [Guiao] puts me in the line-up again.”
And this optimism of Gotladera stems from the huge trust he has in the 58-year-old tactician, who has always been known as a mentor who truly knows how to hone big men playing under his watch.
“He told me to just continue working hard. So far, I can tell naman na under coach Yeng, I’m really improving. He’s really a good mentor inside and outside basketball. I have trust in him,” Gotladera believes.
Upon Gotladera’s deactivation, confusion ensued about his status, given the fact that he is among those included in the special Gilas Draft  — draftees that are locked with their mother teams for two years.
Asked if he is still officially with the Road Warriors, Gotladera believes so.
“I’m still with NLEX. As far as I know, my contract with them is still active,” he cleared.
“And I feel that I belong to the team.”
Gotladera may be out of the main roster indefinitely, but that does not stop him from believing that he will be back soon — back to the roster spot he deserves.
“I’m still committed with NLEX. Me being out of the lineup is only temporary, as of coach Yeng. It’s just a matter of time before ako makabalik sa lineup. So I’m still practicing with them,” the 6-foot-5 center shared.
“I’m still improving my game to help NLEX, and I hope sooner, makabalik ako.”
