“Sayang!”
Allein Maliksi did not hold back from speaking up his mind, when he was asked for his honest thoughts upon learning that his name was not included in the 12-man Gilas Pilipinas lineup bound for the 2017 FIBA Asia Cup.
“Nakakahinayang na hindi nakasama sa final 12 sa FIBA Asia,” Maliksi said regretfully, moments after the Star Hotshots added to the Alaska Aces’ misery Friday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
“Minsan lang sa career darating yun eh.”
Gilas head coach Chot Reyes actually wanted to field in the former University of Santo Tomas gunner for the SEA Games in Malaysia, but they were barred from doing so for certain reasons. All that Maliksi can do now is to respect the decision made by the team.
“Okay lang, support din sa kanila,” stated the 29-year-old.
“Naisip ko rin na maganda rin nilaro nina Matthew Wright, nina [Roger] Pogoy kaya na-cut din, feeling ko. ‘Di naman talaga pwede din lahat makasama.”
And aside from acceptance, Maliksi is also looking at the brighter side of his non-inclusion.
“At least ang positive is makakapag-focus nga ako and maiimprove ko pa yung sarili ko kasi ‘pag dalawang practice, parang nakakapagod din,” he said.
Asked if there will be a chance for him to suit up in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers later this year, Maliksi gave out an uncertain response.
“I don’t know. Bahala na si Lord.”
