Ed Daquioag really believed he would be a Rain or Shine Elasto Painter for a long time.
Many believed the same as well. Last PBA season, he was among the faces of the team’s youth movement along with his fellow former collegiate standouts Rey Nambatac and Javee Mocon.
That, until the Elasto Painters decided to part ways with the 6-foot-2 guard out of University of Santo Tomas, trading him to TNT in exchange for three future second round draft picks.
“Medyo naghinayang din kasi I thought na dun na ako magii-stay,” admitted the 28-year-old Daquioag.
But of course, Daquioag understands that it’s all part of the business. This isn’t new to him, having already been traded in 2017 when Meralco shipped him to Rain or Shine.
“Nasanay na rin. Pangatlong team ko na ‘to. Ganun talaga,” he said. “Kumbaga ganito ‘yung sistema eh, you really don’t know. So make the most out of it na lang kung saang team ka mapunta.
“Gaya nga ng sabi ko, ganun talaga. Siguro may plan si God para sa akin.”
Now, he puts all his focus on the KaTropa, where he will add more size to their backcourt led by Jayson Castro.
Daquioag is still in a transition phase with his new team, but says he will have few problems since his former Gilas Cadets teammates in Roger Pogoy and Almond Vosotros are helping him.
“Naga-guide nila ako eh,” said the Ilocos Norte-native, who was the Bolts’ pick in the special Gilas draft in 2016. “Siyempre tropa-tropa kami and nagkakabiruan, so mas madali ‘yung transition.
“Talagang sinasabi nila kung ano ‘yung gusto ni coach, ‘yung mga ginagawa rito. Kumbaga nabi-brief nila sa ‘kin.”
Daquioag admitted that there’s pressure in suiting up for the flagship MVP franchise, but the incoming four-year pro is just keen on helping the KaTropa in any way he can.
“Siyempre medyo pressured kasi alam naman natin na TNT is a contender. Kung ano lang ‘yung pwede kong maitulong ko sa team [ibibigay ko].”
