5-foot-9 point guard Achie Iñigo finally returned to Philippine courts Tuesday night in the PBA D-League, after months of serving as an Heritage Import with Taiwanese squad Kaohsiung Truth in the ASEAN Basketball League.
And resident of Las Piñas did not hide his longing for home and elation upon his return.
“Oo sobrang na-miss ko. Kasi yung competition [dito], high level eh,” shared the former FEU Tamaraw, serving as lead floor general for veteran mentor Koy Banal and new D-League franchise Marinerong Pilipino.
Iñigo though iterated that his stint in the regional pro league helped him grow as a player. In his service with Kaohsiung, a team that signed him back in December 2016 along with fellow Tamaraw Raymar Jose, his decision-making improved.
“Kasi nung college days, ratratan. Pagdating mo doon, kumbaga, piso-piso yung laro eh. ‘Di naman palakasan eh, patalinuhan. So yun, [natutunan ko yung] pagiging decisive,” said Iñigo.
However, it was not the kind of comeback he and the debuting Seafarers envisioned. A defense-oriented Team Batangas stood on their way and played the spoiler’s role, giving the neohpytes a rude welcome with a 92-82 decision.
For the one-time UAAP champion, unpolished team chemistry got the best of the team that led to the stinging defeat.
“‘Di pa kami ganun ka-jell,” lamented Iñigo, who finished with 10 points, two rebounds, and six dimes. “Kasi Batangas, first conference, sumali na sila. Kami, second conference, tapos less than two months pa lang kami magkakasama.
“So siguro yun yung lapses namin — jelling.”
With that, the 30th overall pick in the 2016 PBA Draft vows to fulfill his duties as the team’s leader on the court, for Marinerong Pilipino to be able to play to their fullest potential in their next outings as the 2017 Foundation Cup rolls on.
“Kanina ‘di pa nagkakaamuyan eh, kasi siyempre first game sa tournament eh,” said Iñigo, a two-time D-League champion.
“[Plano ko] mas maging court general pa, na ma-set up ko yung teammates ko.”
