Gelo Alolino has had a storied collegiate career with the National University Bulldogs.
The former King Bulldog is credited as one of the five pillars of the school’s men’s basketball team that turned the once cellar-dwellers of the UAAP into contenders. In his five years with the Jhocson Street cagers, Alolino posted norms of 9.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. Moreover, the one-time UAAP gold medalist upped the ante in his final year in averaging 14.6 markers, 4.8 boards, and 3.9 dimes.
However, the playmaker disappointed in his first post-collegiate stint with school-based squad UP-Jam Liner Fighting Maroons in the 2016 PBA D-League Aspirants Cup. Now in his second conference with the Developmental League, Alolino has raised his game with the Tanduay Rhum Masters including a 22-point, six rebound, and three assist-outing in the Rhum Masters’ upset win over the defending champions Cafe France Bakers.
“Ang focus ko muna, nandito sa D-League kasi focused din ako para sa Draft,” Alolino said, almost declaring his intentions to enter the 2016 PBA Draft instead of enlisting for the Gilas Cadets squad. “Yun ang tinitingnan ko, yung draft.”
Gelo Alolino has stepped up his game with the Tanduay Rhum Masters (PBA Images)
Tanduay head coach Lawrence Chongson has given the keys to Alolino instead of more veteran guard Rudy Lingganay during their 3 win, 1 loss campaign so far. “You take the good with the bad with Gelo,” the mentor said about Alolino. “He’s a big time player sa pinanggalingan niya [NU Bulldogs] and it’s good for us that his efforts are paying off.”
Alolino though is still not contented with his current output and is looking to further hone his skills in the D-League to further raise his stock in the upcoming draft. “I’m happy pero hindi pa ako contented. Hindi pa natatapos ang liga sa first round dahil may second round pa,” he shared. “I’m still looking forward na mag-gel pa kami.”
“Kailangan lang namin i-maintain every game yung magandang ginagawa namin at mas maganda na mag-improve pa kami.”
