Mike Tolomia had two ice packs wrapped around his knee cap after another Gilas Pilipinas practice session Tuesday night. And in less than 24 hours, he still has a game with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
Tolomia had an option to rest, just like what his teammate Raymond Almazan opted to do, but he still opted to suit up and take part in the Gilas’ eighth workout for the year.
“Gusto ko lang din makapag-practice talaga,” said the 24-year-old rookie.
“Kasi bukas wala kami eh, ‘di kami makaka-attend sa Gilas practice. Tapos after naman ng bukas, may break na kami, so makakapag-pahinga kami.”
Besides the Rain or Shine players, Norbert Torres and Matthew Wright from Phoenix, Von Pessumal and Terrence Romeo from Globalport were also in attendance but sat on the sidelines while Mahindra’s Bradwyn Guinto chose to rest at home.
And then there was Tolomia, who did not care much if ever fatigue might get the best of him tomorrow.
“Gabi pa naman [laro namin]. Siguro kung first game kami, mapapaisip pa ‘ko.
“Second game pa naman kami, and hindi pa naman ako naglalaro ng heavy minutes,” the product of FEU furthered.
Tolomia’s attendance for Gilas’ practices even with a game the next day is drawing comparisons from what former national cager, and fellow Elasto Painter, Gabe Norwood did years ago.
But for the one-time UAAP gold medalist, he is doing this not just to showcase his commitment for flag and country, but also for all the learnings he acquires whenever he works with the team.
“Oo naman. And alam ko naman na marami talaga akong matututunan dito sa Gilas,” the son of Zamboanga City said.
“Yun yung importante sa’kin, yung mga matututunan ko rito.”
