Gerry Abadiano delivered his best performance of Season 86 for the University of the Philippines on Wednesday against De La Salle University.
After missing the previous two matches for the Fighting Maroons due to concussion protocol, the third-year guard excelled. He contributed 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
More importantly, his midrange jumper with 1:01 left broke the final deadlock of the game.
UP narrowly defeated the Green Archers, 67-64, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The product of the National University Nazareth School emphasized the value of patience as he waited for his moment in a deep 16-man Fighting Maroons squad.
“Patience lang talaga and work hard,” said Abadiano.
“Kumbaga lahat ng pinaghihirapan talaga sa buhay, magbubunga talaga sa huli yan. Hindi siya agad-agad eh, process talaga siya.”
During the offseason, Abadiano received multiple transfer offers from other schools as UP bolstered its guard rotation.
The Fighting Maroons have a backcourt rotation featuring Harold Alarcon, Chicco Briones, JD Cagulangan, Janjan Felicilda, CJ Cansino, and Cyril Gonzales. Additionally, Terrence Fortea remains sidelined due to injury.
They also have the likes of Jared Bahay and Joshua Coronel waiting in the wings.
However, the 23-year-old Ilonggo chose to stay in Diliman, citing his strong connection with his longtime mentor, Goldwin Monteverde.
“Siguro para sa akin parang tatay ko na siya eh. Ang tagal na nang pinagsamahan namin since Adamson pa kakilala ko na si Coach Gold, yung mga ayaw at gusto niya sa isang player at sa ginagawa sa team,” said Abadiano.
“Yung trust ko talaga kay Coach Gold sobrang laki kasi parang tatay ko na siya.”
Despite being the team’s leading scorer against the Green Archers, Abadiano stressed that he’s willing to do whatever Monteverde requires of him on the court.
Abadiano aims to continue his versatile contributions to UP when they face their modern-day rivals, Ateneo de Manila University, on Sunday.
“Yung role ko rin sa team malaking bagay din siya, hindi ko finoforce na maging scorer sa team, kumbaga kung ano yung binigay sa akin ng team na role, gagampanan ko nang maigi,” said the proud Ilonggo.
“Sobrang blessed lang siguro na yung mga shots ko pumapasok.”
