Arellano University guard Axel Doromal and head coach Cholo Martin were happy to see Kent Salado watch their 61-59 win against University of Perpetual Help System DALTA in the NCAA Season 98 Seniors Basketball.
Martin was particularly pleased when Salado mentioned he never forgot his former mentor’s teachings, which is the team’s bread and butter – their defense.
“Salamat na lang sa kanya na natatandaan niya pa ‘yung ginagawa namin. Nagagalit talaga ako pag hindi dumipensa eh – dumaan siya dun eh, dumaan siya,” expressed the Chiefs’ head tactician to Salado.
Salado’s last game with Arellano was way back in NCAA Season 95 with an unfortunate exit via a 73-77 loss against San Sebastian College-Recoletos.
He only got to be with Martin for two years, but it was still a memorable experience for the two. Salado was then selected in the second round of the 2019 PBA Draft Pick as the 22nd pick.
Since then, the 5-foot-8 point guard of Ginebra has been in touch with Doromal; he inspired Doromal to play with Arellano until now. They also played with each other way back in the province in outside leagues.
Doromal will always be grateful for a PBA player who inspires him to do very well for their beloved alma mater.
“Before game nag chat siya sa akin, humihingi ng ticket si Kentoy [Kent Salado],” Doromal quipped. “Si Kentoy sobrang idol ko ‘yun. Isa din siya sa mga dahilan bakit ako nandito sa Arellano. He has been my inpsiration back then kasi nakakalaban ko siya sa mga ligang labas dati.
“So, ‘yun nga it was a big boost sa confidence ko na kinakausap niya ako, back then ayun nga sobrang sarap lang sa pakiramdam ng mga ganon – superstar na [kausapin ka].”
It is always nice to see current PBA stars giving back to their respective schools. Salado made a name for himself with Arellano but it is gestures like these which speak louder than any past success on the court.
