Cadet Allyn Bulanadi has yet to suit up for Gilas Pilipinas, but the team has already learned a lot from him.
According to Gilas program director Tab Baldwin, having the 23-year-old Davao native with them in Manama, Bahrain inspired the team to find their more.
“You taught all of us there with you just a little bit more about toughness, both mental and physical,” Baldwin replied to one of Bulanadi’s Instagram posts.
To which Bulanadi replied, “Pleasure working with you, Coach. I will make you proud someday.”
“Allyn Bulanadi, you already have.”
Just a few days before Gilas left for Manama, disaster struck Gilas inside the Inspire Sports Academy. A freak accident during a scrimmage resulted in the product of San Sebastian dislocating his right shoulder.
Bulanadi still joined the team in Bahrain.
There, Bulanadi recalled the mental struggles he endured as he felt helpless.
“Kapagka kasi na-injure ka, aside from the physical limitation, you are also challenged with your own negative thoughts. But hindi lang talaga ako nagpadala. Instead na malugmok ako, nag-rehab and strengthening agad ako, nag-go hard ako sa practice. Pinakita ko sa coaches na gustong gusto ko maglaro para sa bayan,” he shared.
Despite seeing the work Bulanadi had put in, Baldwin and head coach Jong Uichico concluded that they did not want to risk Bulanadi.
“I felt really sorry for Allyn Bulanadi the injury kept him out. He even practiced in Bahrain and he tried so hard to get back, but we just felt that the medical advice was restrictive,” said Baldwin.
“I would have felt terrible if we had sort of ushered him in and something else would happen with the shoulder.”
For Bulanadi, he feels extra motivated to work as he wants to finally don that Gilas jersey come the February window.
“I’m super motivated kasi I still have to prove myself worthy of this opportunity.”
