Even if he has been preparing for the Asian Games ever since the TNT Katropa was supposed to be the contingent sent to the continental meet, Don Trollano has no qualms about being the tough cut the team had to be made.
“Don Trollano had to sacrifice his slot for Jordan,” shared coach Yeng Guiao Friday evening as he unveiled the Final 12 for the quadrennial tourney.
Trollano though accepts it. And why wouldn’t he? Just like every Filipino in the country, he can’t wait for Clarkson to finally don the country’s colors.
“Alanganamang piliin pa ako kaysa kay Clarkson ‘di ba?
“Iniisip ko lang atleast nakatulong ako. Mas malaking maitutulong ni Clarkson para sa akin, galing siyang NBA, tapos ako… Siyempre, mas magiging competitive sa team,” the 6-foot-3 swingman shared.
Both Trollano and Clarkson play the same position. Clarkson though has two inches on the native of Gigmoto, Catanduanes. And of course, the 26-year-old Clarkson is competing in the best basketball league in the world.
“Okay lang ako dun, ang galing galing nun e. Anong laban ko dun? No hard feelings.”
Still, Trollano was told by Guiao to never stop training as if worse comes to worse with regards to Clarkson’s eligibility, he will be the one fielded by Gilas.
“Kung di maayos, puwede ako pumunta sa tune-ups or hahabol ako.
“Sabi ni coach Yeng sa Gilas pa rin ako maglalaro, sabi niya kasi kung hindi maayos kung Jordan, atleast kaya ko makahabol,” he beamed.
