Maverick Ahanmisi was a DNP during the “Manila Clasico” clash that opened the PBA’s 50th season.
Apparently, it’s because he had asked for — and was granted — a trade by Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.
In a vlog posted by Ahanmisi on Thursday, he shared the process he went through before personally asking SMC Sports Director and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua for a trade.
The conversation took place during “Day 3” of his seven-day workout video.
After some pleasantries, Ahanmisi went straight to the point, telling Chua, “With a lot of thought, I would like to request for a trade,” to which Chua replied, “It’s up to you.”
Ahanmisi then confirmed, “Yes please, Boss. That’s what I want.”
Later on, his agent Danny Espiritu called him and said, “I talked to Boss Al and he said yes, you secured a trade from him. Anything. Okay na.”
Ahanmisi then explained why he felt the need for a change of scenery after just two years with Ginebra.
(C) PBA Images
“I took a pretty big step last night and actually requested for a trade for the first time,” he said.
“I don’t know how people will take it, man, but to be honest, I like my teammates and I’m cool with everyone on that team. I appreciate the fans and I even appreciate the m——— f——- that don’t—— with me,” he expressed.
“As a player, you want the opportunity to showcase your talent, so it’s kind of a fine line between being patient and waiting your turn. But I just turned 34. I’m now at the back half of my career. There’s not much time to waste for me.”
Last season, Ahanmisi appeared in 65 games for Ginebra, averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game while playing behind Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos.
Just two years ago, he was posting 13.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game for Converge.
“These are the times as a pro that you have to make decisions that are going to benefit you because, at the end of the day, it’s a business. You have to think about yourself. As selfish as it sounds, you have to do those things for you and your family,” he further explained.
“A lot of people are not going to like that decision most of the time, but if it benefits you and your family, and you do it in a respectful and proper way, nobody can ever knock you for that.”
Ginebra’s next game is on Wednesday against TNT.
