By: Justine Bacnis and Matthew Li
Monday evening, Gilas Pilipinas 3.0 member Dondon Hontiveros visited Gilas’ practice for the second time this year. The 39-year-old Cebuano hotshot marveled at the collection of talent inside the Meralco Gym and was in awe of the hunger this batch possesses.
But there was one player who caught the 17-year veteran’s eye: Allein Maliksi.
“Maganda yung nandiyan si Allein. Nakikita ko na siya before at it’s really good for him na binigyan siya ng opportunity na ganito,” Hontiveros shared. “He’s been playing well. Nakahanap siya ng bahay niya sa Star and now he’s part of the pool.
“Nakikita ko si Allein as someone who will help us with our shooting.”
Once he heard about this, the 29-year-old Maliksi could not hide his glee, beaming from ear to ear when he heard about Hontiveros’ praise — one of the role models he looked up to growing up.
“Overwhelming and siyempre nakaka-pressure din kahit papaano kasi si kuya Dondon, kumbaga isa na siya sa legend sa PBA,” said Maliksi, shortly after Gilas’ practice session Wednesday night.
But with it comes pressure. The five-year pro admitted that he now has to raise his game to match Hontiveros’ expectations.
“Coming from him na marinig yun, it puts a lot of pressure to perform and to level up your game sa dadating na liga and mga games,” the 6-foot-4 forward furthered.
“Yung compliment na binigay niya, nakaka-proud din at thankful ako na naa-appreciate niya yung game ko.”
Asked if he now sees the need to fill in the shoes left by Hontiveros, all that Maliksi vowed to do is to fulfill the role expected from him, and do it on a consistent basis.
“Kung ano yung role ko dun, ganoon parin naman,” said Maliksi. “Kailangan ko rin maging consistent shooting, and makahelp sa ibang bagay like defense.
“Kailangan ko lang mag-perform para sa upcoming games.”
