Aljon Mariano will find himself back at his alma mater.
The Ginebra forward is set for a homecoming of sorts as the ongoing PBA On Tour takes its act to University of Santo Tomas on July 5, bringing nostalgia to the league as it plays in a school gym for the first time in a while.
A double-header affair will be held at the Quadricentennial Pavilion, with the Kings taking on Meralco — led by another former Growling Tiger, Allein Maliksi — in the 7:30 p.m. main event, marking another meeting of long-time rivals.
Mariano is, of course, excited.
(C) PBA Images
“It’s a special game for me kasi former UST ako,” he said moments after the Barangay’s 114-106 win over Terrafirma in the preseason tourney, Friday night at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig. “Second home ko na ‘yun.”
As far as he remembers, Mariano last played in UST around 2015. Thus, the feeling he’s having heading into next week’s assignment, as he’ll be coming back as an established pro with seven PBA championships.
“Ang saya na mabigyan ng opportunity na makalaro ulit din,” said the 30-year-old, who played for the Tigers from 2009 to 2014. “Thank you sa PBA na nabigyan kami ng chance, lalo na ‘yung mga former UST, na makalaro roon.”
Still, even with the sentimental feeling, the goal remains the same for him.
That is to win, just like what they did against the Dyip. The Barangay came back from as much as 10 points down and ended the game with a 12-0 run, eventually collecting their third win in a row.
Mariano led the way as he finished with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
“Binibigyan ako ng more time ni Coach, so pinapakita ko lang kung ano ‘yung pwede ko ipakita. And, siyempre, manalo pa rin ang priority namin,” he said.
