Don Trollano had said many times before that being replaced by Jordan Clarkson in the Gilas Pilipinas team that played in the 2018 Asian Games was a move that he fully understands, that it’s nothing but beneficial for the squad.
But he actually took it as a motivation.
“Sumikat nga ako doon eh. Nag-trending nga ako doon,” Trollano said with a chuckle. “Pero naging motivation sa akin. Malay mo someday. Na-out ako pero okay lang sa akin. Naging motivation sa akin para mag-work hard.
“Ito na ako ngayon.”
What Trollano referred to with “ngayon” was Friday’s Game Three of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals, where he scored a career-high 18 points to help his TNT KaTropa beat the San Miguel Beermen, 115-105, for a 2-1 lead.
But aside from playing with a chip on his shoulder, the four-year pro out of Adamson University said that he simply stepped up in the absence of two key players in Anthony Semerad and veteran guard Ryan Reyes due to injuries.
“I work on my game. The coaches and players trusted me. Injured is Tony, si Ryan, so I need to step up,” said Trollano, who also had five rebounds and a steal. “Nilaro ko lang yung game ko. That’s it.
“Be aggressive sa game, stay focused.”
Trollano shot 6-of-11 from the field, spiked by three triples. But for him, having a good night on offense is just a mere bonus, as his main role is playing defense most especially against San Miguel import Chris McCullough.
Trollano helped slow down the lanky 6-foot-10 forward as he only had 27 points on 9-of-20 shooting from the field and 13 rebounds — this, after averaging 32.5 points and 18.5 rebounds in the best-of-seven series’ first two games.
“Ang role ko is defense talaga eh.
“Ako yung guma-guard sa import. Nag-focus ako doon. Yung offense, it’s a bonus na lang siguro,” said Trollano, who also guarded Justin Brownlee in their semis bout with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
These playoffs have seen Trollano become TNT’s scrappy player on both ends of the court. And nobody could be prouder than active team consultant Mark Dickel with how the 6-foot-3 forward has progressed and shown his worth for the KaTropa
“I’ve talked to him just about playing defense, crashing the offensive glass and just allowing the game to come to you. He’s got a role now in the team and he’s earned it. We’ve re-signed him to a longer-term deal which he totally deserves,” Dickel disclosed.
“And he’s rewarding us now. Look I’m really happy for him, proud of him. ‘Cause he’s playing great.”
