Maverick Ahanmisi will be wearing jersey number 00 as he begins the newest chapter of his career with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
“It’s more so, like, starting from scratch for me,” the star guard told reporters during the PBA Media Day, Wednesday at One Esplanade in Pasay.
It sure is a major change for the 32-year-old, who has worn number 13 since his days with the University of Minnesota back home in the States.
He did want to continue wearing that with the Kings but chose not to, simply out of respect for the previous bearer of the number: Jayjay Helterbrand.
“Initially… you know I’ve always worn number 13 but obviously it’s Jayjay’s,” stated Ahanmisi, “so I can’t wear that, right?”
The eight-year pro then opted to wear 30 since it is the monthsary date of he and his girlfriend, but learned that he can’t, either.
Because of ‘Major Pain,’ that’s why.
(C) PBA Images
“So I picked 30. And then a lot of people asked me not to wear that jersey because of Eric Menk,” said Ahanmisi.
Thus, his decision to settle with what his number is now.
“I respect that, so I picked double zero,” he said. “It wasn’t a big deal for me to, like, give it up if it means that much to them about Eric Menk, so it’s all good.”
What matters most for Ahanmisi is to be of help for the Barangay, who signed him to a three-year max contract last September.
“This team is stacked, so I’m just here to help an already great team anyway I can,” said the one-time PBA champion with Rain or Shine.
“Every facet they already have it covered, but I’m here for a reason.”
