It hasn’t been a good start to 2019 for Fonzo Gotladera.
The third-year center out of Ateneo de Manila found himself without a PBA team, as he was released by the NLEX Road Warriors into free agency in the first week of January.
“Na-release ako like first week of January.
“Like a week before opening. I wasn’t able to try out with other PBA teams,” said the 26-year-old, who was part of 2016’s special Gilas draft.
Fortunately for him, though, Gotladera is no longer adrift. Weeks after being let go of by NLEX, the former Gilas Cadet found a new home with the FamilyMart-Enderun Titans, who are set to play in the 2019 PBA D-League.
It may be seen by some as a demotion, but not for Gotladera.
“What me and my agent did was to look for the best option, and I landed here,” said Gotladera – a former Tanduay Rhum Master – moments after FamilyMart-Enderun’s official launching, Thursday at Enderun Colleges in McKinley Hill.
“Actually very grateful nga ako kasi nasa PBA-affiliated team pa rin ako. And it’s good to be here in Enderun. The culture here is really good. They’re well-coached. Tapos okay din yung Enderun players, very welcoming.”
Gotladera will be playing for a squad affiliated with PBA team Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters. This means the possibility of being called back to the pro ranks is high, should he muster good performances during the season.
The 6-foot-5 big man likes the idea, but made it clear that his focus, for now, is to help the Titans do well in the league, which will open on February 14.
“If the opportunity strikes I’ll be more than happy to play for Phoenix if they call me up,” he said. “[But] As of now wala. Walang usapang ganon. It’s more about like, yung focus ko is here with this team, to help this team win.
“Yun ang ultimate goal namin, to win. Whatever it takes, kung anuman yung role na ibigay sakin ni coach Pipo [Noundou], gagawin ko.”
