PAGADIAN, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR—Nick Abanto surely does fit in Jaymar Gimpayan’s role for Roxas in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup Mindanao Challenge.
This as the latter, Visayas Leg MVP formerly of the MJAS-Zenith Talisay, has left the Vanguards to join the Jumbo Plastic Medical Depot Basilan in the coming Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational.
And Abanto just embraced his new role for the squad.
After averaging just 2.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 0.1 blocks in just 11 minutes of floor time in their first eight outings – those still with Gimpayan – the 6-foot-3 Abanto just went off.
During their last three games with his usage boosted to 27 minutes, the University of the East product averaged 13.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks.
That was propelled by a career night Thursday against Basilan BRT, erupting for 20 points on 10-of-14 shooting to go with 18 rebounds and four blocks.
More importantly, Roxas got the crucial win over the Peace Riders, 79-70, at the Pagadian City Gymnasium here.
“‘Nick wala na akong ibang gagamitin. Dalawa na lang kayong four ni Mandreza. Kaya kapag hindi ka pa mag step up, mahihirapan tayo,” recalled Vanguards head coach Alvin Grey on what he told Abanto.
“Sobrang tuwa ko naman dahil pumutok si Nick. Sobrang laking bagay, kung wala si Nick baka hindi kami nanalo against Basilan.”
With Gimpayan’s departure, it has been a blessing in disguise for the 24-year-old lanky forward.
Struggling in limited minutes, he has been able to display a glimpse of his potential in the past three games of the Vanguards.
“Kinausap nila ako na mag step up ako kasi hindi nila nakikita ‘yung tunay na laro ko,” said Abanto.
And he’s just not there to match Gimpayan’s presence on the floor. Abanto’s about to show what he’s really made of.
He doesn’t want to match Gimpayan, he wants to be better.
“Kinailangan namin mas mag-pursigi. Kailangan talagang gawin ‘yung trabaho namin,” he said.
“Ang mindset ko lang higitan pa ‘yung laro ni Jaymar.”
