Don Trollano admitted that he felt shocked the moment he learned TNT was about to ship him to Blackwater.
Last week, while the PBA was on a holiday break, the KaTropa traded the 6-foot-3 forward — along with Anthony Semerad and 2021 first-round pick — to the Elite for rookie Bobby Ray Parks, Jr.
“Sa umpisa, siyempre na-shock ako kasi ‘di ko naman akalain talaga,” said the four-year pro out of Adamson.
In just a matter of weeks, Trollano found himself in a not-so-ideal situation. From contending for the playoffs with TNT, he’s now playing for a team that is likely to have an early vacation.
“Sayang, kasi two weeks na lang playoffs na eh. Mas masarap maglaro ‘pag playoffs eh,” he said.
“‘Yung pressure andun, ‘yung defense medyo nagiging tight ‘pag playoffs na.”
Still, the 27-year-old knows that moving from one team to another is all part of the job of a pro player.
“Wala eh, buhay talaga ng player na mate-trade. Acceptance lang para sa ‘kin. Wala namang ano, family pa rin naman sila (TNT),” said Trollano, who was traded to TNT by Rain or Shine last season.
Trollano made his debut with the Elite on Wednesday as they took on the San Miguel Beermen in 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup action. He immediately showed what he can bring to the table.
The former PBA champion made 14 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in nearly 35 minutes. Unfortunately, his stint with Blackwater is off to a bad start as it lost in overtime, 96-99.
Moving forward, though, Trollano vows that he will play as hard as he can for his new team.
“Go hard pa rin ako, ganun. Kung ano lang ginagawa ko sa TNT, ginagawa ko pa rin dito kasi wala namang bago eh. Sa Blackwater na ako, so I’m just gonna play as hard as I can.”
