Michael Calisaan is starting to settle with NorthPort 3×3 as he begins another chapter of his budding PBA career in a new home.
The young forward found himself suiting up for his third team in the league after a trade from Phoenix Super LPG as part of the package that sent Vic Manuel to the Batang Pier for Sean Anthony, Sean Manganti, and a future draft pick.
“Ito, bagong team, bagong opportunity, bagong chance, itong 3×3,” he said during the PBA 3×3 Media Day, Saturday.
“Bagong experience ‘to sa’kin.”
The move cut short his reunion with former San Sebastian mentor Topex Robinson, who was able to give him an avenue to show what he can do in the professional ranks following a forgetful two-year stay with Magnolia.
Calisaan played in nine games for the Fuel Masters in the last Philippine Cup, where he proved to be an energizer off the bench. One of his best outings came in a 96-84 win over Terrafirma as he had nine points and seven rebounds.
One could only wonder what the Kapampangan cager could morph into had he stayed longer under Robinson’s tutelage. But such is life, as they say.
Photo by PBA Images
“Actually kinausap po ako ni Coach Topex, ‘yun nga po ‘yung mangyayari. Nung time na yun, hindi pa naman siya 100 percent na sure, pero ni-remind na ‘ko ni Coach na kung ano yung pwede mangyari,” he said.
“‘Yun, na-approve ng PBA, so ‘yun, andito ako ngayon,” added Calisaan, who was the Hotshots’ 10th overall pick in the 2018 Rookie Draft.
Calisaan was expected to inject more youth to NorthPort’s frontline, but the lanky 6-foot-4 wingman was assigned to the 3×3 team as head coach Pido Jarencio already has a full roster at his disposal.
“Actually ngayon, sobrang puno ‘yung roster nila sa five-on-five, kaya siguro dito muna ako nilagay. Dito ako lalaro ngayon,” he said.
Still, even if this is his first time playing in the halfcourt game, it’s an opportunity that the 26-year-old looks to make the most out of.
“Malaking opportunity sa’tin to,” said Calisaan, who’s playing with LA Revilla, Jeepy Faundo, and Mark Olayon. “First time ko ‘to, sa totoo lang.”
