It’s all about focusing on the now for Raymond Almazan.
The six-foot-seven slotman has put all the issues of last conference behind him. Seeing this conference as a way to re-introduce himself, Almazan has been providing well for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the 2018 Commissioner’s Cup.
Almazan helped the Elasto Painters go to 2-0 Sunday evening, producing 20 points and eight rebounds to power Rain or Shine past Japeth Aguilar and the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 108-89.
“Sobrang focused ako ngayon,” said the five-year pro after the match, where he also collected two blocks and a dime.
“Gusto ko maganda laro ko this season para matulungan ko yung team.”
What Almazan hopes for now is to be free from pain physically — he sustained a hand injury during the latter part of their 2018 Philippine Cup campaign that messed up his playoff run.
“Last conference, kababalik ko lang tapos mai-injury na naman ako. Kahit mga minor injuries, mahirap pa rin eh,” said the 28-year-old big man.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy na, na injury-free.”
The Elasto Painters are definitely in a good position right now. Almazan, however, doesn’t want to be too confident, since the ghosts of the past are still haunting them.
“Mahirap pa magsalita e. Marami kaming gantong scenario eh. Minsan may 3-0 kami. Tapos middle of the season, alam mo yun, medyo nagiging down,” the one-time PBA champion reflected.
“Pero every game ngayon, pagiigihan namin sa mga game plan namin and maututo kami sa mga mistakes namin.”
