For the first time in his pro career, Gelo Alolino found himself in a new home.
Having been with the Phoenix Fuel Masters since he began his life as a PBA cager, Alolino has entered his third year in the league with a new team. He joined the Blackwater Elite after being released unconditionally in the off-season.
“Well sa mundo natin sa basketball, wala namang permanent diba? It so happened na nangyari yun,” said the cager from Las Piñas. “We have to move on.
“Next day, new start for me here, new opportunity.”
The 6-foot guard out of the National University Bulldogs program made his Elite debut on Wednesday evening. He played for 18 minutes and 29 seconds, and produced four points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
However, his Elite lost big to the NorthPort Batang Pier, 91-117. Still, Alolino remains grateful not only for his position, but for the opportunity to return after recovering from surgery to remove bone spurs from his foot.
“Pasalamat ako kay Lord, siyempre, nakabalik ako from injury. And kay coach, yung minutes na binigay niya sa akin,” said the 25-year-old floor general.
Alolino has joined a Blackwater team in a rebuilding phase after letting go of Poy Erram and Nard Pinto in separate deals in the off-season. Both had been solid players after breaking out last year.
He admitted that he’s still adjusting to his new team and teammates, but he hopes that his experiences in the league will help the other Elite men – especially to the younger ones.
“Sabi ko nga, super excited ako kasi kahit puro rookies, puro new guys, hindi lang ako yung new. Pero as much as possible, may experience na rin ako, yung two years sana magamit ko,” said Alolino, the second pick in the 2016 Regular Draft.
“And willing din ako matuto, especially kay coach Bong [Ramos]. May connect siya sa players, kinakausap niya kami.”
