Ara Abaca’s PBA 3-on-3 debut — by her peak self’s standards — was not impressive at all.
After the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament concluded last year, Abaca has not been working out that much as she focused on her academics. And part of the additional adjustments she had to make was to get accustomed to the 3-on-3 style of play.
“Una mahirap kasi ilang months, wala talaga akong regular training. Ngayon kahit 10 minutes lang siya tsaka halfcourt, nakakapagod rin siya,” Abaca said Friday.
“Hindi rin ganoon kasanay sa rotation ng bola, sa defense, kasi sobrang luwag ng court. Yung roles ba, habang naglalaro ka, iisipin mo rin. Medyo iba rin (yung rules) like pag narebound mo, hindi mo agad pwede i-put back or kapag na-outside, sa (top of the key) ang inbounds. Madaming adjustments.”
Still, Abaca was ecstatic to have suited up in a post-college opportunity, especially in a time where the country does not offer much so far for women’s hoops.
“I am thankful. Hindi ko naman inexpect na magiging part ako ng PBA 3 on 3. Sobrang thankful kahit na hindi siya yung kagaya ng nilalaro mo regularly (na five-on-five) na basketball,” she said.
Abaca scored four points for Rain or Shine as the team edged San Miguel, 13-7. After the game, the forward said she is weighing options for her career, and hopes for better opportunities.
“Sa akin, yung basketball, so far, hindi ko siya tinetake as lifetime career, but pag tumagal, siguro kapag nagkaroon ng permanent (league), baka pwede. Pero wala pa rin akong ganoong pag-iisip na kapag may women’s PBA na, gagawin ko siyang (full time) career,” she shared.
“Pero sana magkaroon ng opportunity dito sa Pilipinas sa babae na equal sa lalaki dahil marami rin namang babae na marunong at magaling maglaro ng basketball.”
And while Abaca might eventually leave her basketball career to pursue a full-time job as a professional, she hopes to enjoy what women’s basketball has to offer.
And she does not want the 3-on-3 league the last opportunity.
“Ngayon hindi ko pa alam kung anong mangyayari, pero hopefully sana hindi ito yung last na league ko sa sport na mahal ko. Pero ngayon hindi ko masabi kasi baka may mangyaring iba sa career ko. Hindi ko masasabi. Pero wish ko lang, sana hindi ito yung last league ko.”
