Dylan Ababou could have easily been one of the league’s finest stars with the complete skill set he possesses. Unfortunately, injuries stood on his way, and his sky-high potential suddenly plunged down.
Now at 30 years of age, the 10th overall pick of the 2011 Draft is still a reliable piece for any team he is in. And he proved as much on Wednesday night, as he made his debut for the Globalport Batang Pier after being traded by Blackwater last week.
The last time Ababou was seen logging in heavy minutes was during his rookie stint with the now-defunct Barako Bull. But on Wednesday, Batang Pier head coach Franz Pumaren played him for over 27 minutes — and as a starter.
“I know what he’s capable of doing,” addressed Pumaren.
“He’s still groping for form and kinda not in game shape but he can help us down the line. My job here is a never ending process of trying to put in the right pieces.”
The game might have been Pumaren’s test for Ababou as Ababou played almost 30 minutes. The 6-foot-3 forward collected 17 points on a 60 percent shooting clip, going 5-of-8 from the three-point area during that frame.
Even Ababou had been surprised that he was fielded in by Pumaren in the starting line-up. But it only helped him take his game higher instead of succumbing to pressure.
“Medyo na-surprise ako, kaya medyo nag-mindset ako na kailangan, aggressive ako, kasi first five ako,” said Ababou moments after their 113-96 loss to Ginebra. “Kailangan maganda ang maipakita ko kasi kailangan maganda ang impression ko kay coach Franz.
“Nagkaroon ako ng confidence kasi ibig sabihin, nilagay ni coach Franz ‘yung trust niya sa akin kaya nasa first unit ako,” the Gilas Pilipinas pioneer added.
Asked if there had been a bit of eagerness on his part when playing Wednesday night’s game as he faced his former team in Ginebra, Ababou cited otherwise.
“Hindi naman, ang mindset ko lang kanina, gusto ko lang makalaro. Enjoy lang ako, relaxed lang, hindi masyadong relaxed na relaxed, hindi naman masyadong gigil na gigil. Nasa gitna lang.”
But nevertheless, it was indeed a night to remember for Ababou after a long while — a night that may have shown flashes of what the six-year sniper can bring to the table for Globalport, who have yet to win in the import-laden conference.
“Unang-una, praise God kasi nabigyan ako ng opportunity na makapag-laro ulit ng mahaba. Tsaka thankful ako kay coach Franz, binigyan niya ako ng minuto. Masaya ako kasi kumbaga, nakatulong ako sa team, ‘yun nga lang on a losing cause,” shared the product of the University of Santo Tomas basketball program.
Now that he is with his fifth team in six years, all that Ababou wants is to prove that he still belongs in the league, that he can still keep up despite the influx of much younger talent coming in.
“Gusto ko lang i-prove na kaya ko makipag-sabayan. Kaya ko pa rin maglaro, na deserve ko yung mga minuto na ibibigay ni coach,” vowed Ababou.
“Ang mindset ko ngayon, keep on improving lang at paano pa ako makakatulong sa Globalport.”
He may not be getting any younger, but Ababou still remains positive that he has still a lot of gas left in the tank, enough for him to use as he seeks to tread more miles in his career.
“Oo naman. God’s grace is always sufficient. In Jesus’ name, He will always give us strength,” Ababou declared.
