Gerry Abadiano made sure to step up significantly with the University of the Philippines’ lead guards, JD Cagulangan and CJ Cansino, sidelined in their second-round matchup against Ateneo de Manila University.
Cagulangan was unable to play due to a hamstring injury he sustained last Wednesday against Adamson University, while Cansino was dealing with the flu.
The 5-foot-11 mid-range sniper Abadiano saw this as motivation to bounce back against the Blue Eagles, who had defeated them last week in overtime, 99-89, to conclude the first round.
“Siguro yung effort namin as a team nandiyan. Alam naman namin na nung first round natalo kami sa Ateneo at masakit para sa amin yun,” said Abadiano after the Fighting Maroons’ 65-60 win over Ateneo on Sunday.
Playing in front of a boisterous crowd of 17,406 fans inside the SMART Araneta Coliseum, Abadiano had a career-high performance with 22 points.
He also picked up three rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
The Fighting Maroons – who had a tight 10-man rotation for the game – were determined to get back at their Season 85 finals tormentor.
“Nag-prepare kami ng ilang araw before ng laban na ito.
“Pinag-usapan talaga namin na ‘pag game na, yung effort talaga ibigay namin no matter what happens sa loob ng court. Thankful lang kami na nakuha namin yung panalo ngayon,” said the Ilonggo guard, also crediting his work with Patrick Tancioco’s Better Basketball as a catalyst for his improved form.
For head coach Goldwin Monteverde, Abadiano’s career game was the result of his dedication from training to matches.
Abadiano was a well-known scorer during his high school days at National University Nazareth School. But he has transitioned into a defensive specialist for the Fighting Maroons.
Still, his scoring prowess remained intact.
“I think naman kahit sinong high school player, kapag umakyat ng college, may adjustment and nag-struggle siya,” said Monteverde, who has been Abadiano’s mentor since their days in Adamson High School.
“Yes, hindi niya nakuha talaga yung game niya nung high school. But kung ano man nakikita ko sa kanya ngayon, hindi naman ako nabibigla kasi I see him everyday pumupunta sa practice na una sa lahat, and hindi siya nadidiscourage,” the one-time UAAP men’s champion coach continued.
“He took it as a challenge and unti-unti, he’s improving.”
Abadiano will aim to continue his scoring exploits next Sunday when UP faces De La Salle University at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
