Mike Tolomia admitted it came as a surprise when Meralco notified him that it was trading him to Blackwater.
Just last Friday, the Bolts shipped the third-year guard — along with veteran wingman KG Cañaleta and future second-round picks — to the Elite in exchange for Allein Maliksi and Raymar Jose.
Tolomia and Cañaleta then both made their debut the day after the trade. Unfortunately, the Alaska Aces decided to play spoilers, 91-101, dealing Blackwater its third loss in a row in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup.
“Medyo nagulat ako kasi kalagitnaan ng season. And knowing coach Norman [Black], ‘di siya masyado nagche-change ng bigla-bigla eh. ‘Yun, medyo nagulat lang ako na ganun,” said Tolomia.
Still, the Far Eastern University alumnus has no issues. For Tolomia, everything happens for a reason.
“Wala naman. Professional naman tayo eh,” said Tolomia, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ pick in the 2016 special draft.
“Lahat ng bagay, may mga dahilan din naman sila eh.”
The 26-year-old from Zamboanga City added that he’s actually taking the move positively. After all, he now has the opportunity to show what he can offer now that he’s with the Elite.
Tolomia didn’t have much exposure with the Orangemen, as the team is loaded with guards such as Baser Amer, Chris Newsome, Anjo Caram, Trevis Jackson, and Nard Pinto.
“‘Yun nga ‘yung isa sa mga positive na tinitignan ko talaga, na dito, mas may chance talaga ako maglaro,” he said.
“And dito, mapapakita ko kung ano ‘yung kaya kong gawin. So ‘yun, thankful din ako sa Blackwater na mabibigyan nila ako ng opportunity na makapaglaro.”
