Gian Mamuyac hopes to succeed with Phoenix Super LPG now that he has accepted his new reality after being traded by Rain or Shine last Thursday.
The former Elasto Painters captain has his sights set on writing the next chapter of his young PBA career, inspired by the success he helped build with his previous team, where he played a key role in its resurgence.
“Hopefully, kung anuman ‘yung na-achieve ko sa Rain or Shine, ‘yung mga semis, ma-achieve din namin dito,” he said Sunday night, moments after their 81-78 win over Barangay Ginebra at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Mamuyac has seemingly moved on from the deal that took place last Thursday. Rain or Shine traded him to the Fuel Masters in exchange for their Season 53 first-round pick, as he and his old team couldn’t agree on a new deal.
For the uninitiated, the two-time All-Star became a restricted free agent after the last Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, and only remained with Rain or Shine as his old contract was auto-extended until December.
He even played in their Season 50 Governors’ Cup debut against Blackwater that ended up in a 131-108 loss — the last time he’d be seen in an Elasto Painters, as the trade was made five days later.
(C) PBA Images
The mood at Rain or Shine appeared subdued — a feeling that carried into its loss to Meralco on Saturday, its first game without “Mamu” — as the team bid farewell to a key figure in its resurgence.
Even the 27-year-old can’t deny that it’s tough for him as well.
“Change is always hard, eh, no? Four years din ako sa Rain or Shine. Lalo na bagong territory, mahirap talaga kasi aalis ka sa comfort zone mo,” he said.
The fifth overall pick of the 2022 Draft, though, understands that it’s all part of the business side of things in professional basketball.
“Well, yun nga, part naman talaga ng basketball ‘yun, part ng livelihood namin. I’m with Phoenix right now, and I’m committed,” he said.
Now, his focus is on helping his new team the best he can, believing that they could collectively achieve bigger things in the future.
In this conference, Phoenix is leading Group B as Sunday’s win marked its third in as many games. This is its first 3-0 start since an all-time franchise-best 5-0 start in the 2019 Philippine Cup, per PBA stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
“I think we have something special, eh. And most of my teammates, nakasama ko sa UAAP — either kakampi or kalaban,” said Mamuyac, who finished with six points, one rebound, three assists, and a block in his Fuel Masters debut.
“Winners naman din ‘tong group na ‘to,” added the Ateneo de Manila University product.
“So hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy pa ‘tong win streak namin.”
