Don Trollano has no hard feelings whatsoever regarding his non-inclusion to the 2023 PBA All-Star Game and simply respects the fans’ choices.
“Fans naman ‘yung nag-decide e,” said the NLEX forward moments after their loss to Meralco in the Governors’ Cup, Thursday night at the Philsports Arena. “I think it’s popularity kasi, Actually for me, OK lang naman sa’kin kahit ‘di ako makasama. Staying lowkey lang. Lowkey lang tayo. Tsaka ang PBA naman nandiyan na ‘yung mga fans, matagal na. Sila ‘yung nag-decide.
“I’m OK with it,” he added.
Trollano was among those which netizens felt were ‘snubbed’ after not landing a spot into the top 30 vote-getters for the midseason spectacle, with some arguing that he should’ve been a shoo-in given how he’s been playing.
He has emerged as one of the Road Warriors’ best this season. After averaging 16.0 points and 5.8 rebounds in the Philippine Cup, Trollano hiked his numbers to 17.7 markers and 6.2 boards in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The 31-year-old played so well in the mid-season conference to the point that he became one of the five finalists for the BPC award.
Trollano appreciates the support he got from the fans that vouched for him for the All-Star Game, which takes place on March 12 in Passi City, Iloilo.
“Thank you, thank you sa suporta, ina-acknowledge nila ‘yung laro ko,” said the Adamson University product, who’s averaging 11.1 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in the ongoing Governors’ Cup.
And he’s optimistic, too, that he could get an opportunity to see action in the ASG next time — he still has plenty of basketball left, after all.
“Someday,” he said. “Malay natin, ‘di ba.? Next year, ‘no?
“Ang blessed ko kung siguro, napasali ako. Pero ganun talaga e. Ganun talaga ang buhay. Malay mo next time. ‘Di pa naman ako magre-retire siguro,” he added, smiling. “Marami pa namang time. For me, okay lang.”
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The second game of each PBA gameday is live-streamed on SMART Sports.