On Saturday, Abu Tratter faced his former team Blackwater for the first time since it traded him to Alaska last month.
And for the 6-foot-5 forward, playing against the Elite gave him extra motivation to do well.
“Of course, yeah. I mean… Just to see that they traded for me, and then to see me go, it was something that I took to heart. That’s what I’ve been working on with Alaska, just making sure I play my role but also [that I] improve,” said the rookie big man out of La Salle.
“But today was a different story. Today I wanted to prove myself.”
And Tratter did just that.
The 6-foot-5 Filipino-American delivered commendably for the Aces. He produced 18 points on an excellent 8-of-10 shooting from the field, on top of six rebounds, two steals, and a block in over 33 minutes of playing time.
Even better for the former Gilas Pilipinas member, his Milkmen reigned triumphant, 101-91.
“It feels great, knowing that it was a team that I was once a part of.
“Just to kinda show my caliber in the game, see my teammates working hard, giving me motivation not just me, but the rest of the team, to go out and win for Alaska,” the 26-year-old, who hails from Laguna, said.
But more than the extra push in facing his old team, his outing is also proof of how happy he is to be with the Aces.
“I’m just happy to be on the team, happy to be on a team that I consider home. We have a great coaching staff, coach Jeff, coach Tony, and coach Danny, who helps me every day mentally and physically, showing me different moves” said the seventh overall pick of Blackwater in the 2018 Draft.
Now, Tratter looks to keep on doing what he has to do to further help Alaska, who improved to 2-6.
“I’ve been on the team for about two months now, so I’m getting accustomed to the system and my teammates. Just making sure I do my job and improve as a player.”
