Like most of his contemporaries, MJ Ayaay is no stranger to playing at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. But on Sunday night, the Lyceum Pirate set foot in the venue not as a student-athlete, but as a PBA player.
The 6-foot-1 utility forward made his debut in the pro ranks for Alaska, as the Aces fought the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.
As the Milkmen’s rotation got cut no thanks to injuries, head coach Alex Compton fielded Ayaay for 16 minutes and 37 seconds. He produced six points on 2-of-6 shooting from the field along with two rebounds.
Alaska lost, 72-85, but Ayaay was glad that he’s now really a pro.
“Siyempre nasa PBA na ‘ko, sobrang saya ko,” the two-time NCAA finalist said. “Konting adjust lang … Extra effort pa ako para ma-help ko pa yung teammates ko sa practice. Masaya pero ‘di naman ako tumitingin sa kung ano iniskor ko.
“Tumitingin ako, kumukuha ako ng kumpiyansa sa defense, kung paano ako makatulong sa team.”
Still, Ayaay didn’t feel overwhelmed when he returned to the MoA Arena as a pro.
“Normal lang. Parang nasa ligang labas.
“Parang, wala. Hindi ko pine-pressure sarili ko. Basta kung ipasok ako gagawin ko lang best ko,” the native of Quezon quipped.
Now that his first game is in the books, Ayaay is looking to adjust to the way things go in the league, such as defending without being too aggressive. He finished the game with five fouls, including three in the first half.
“Siguro yung adjustment ko pa sa depensa. First-half three fouls na kaagad ako. Konting adjust lang.”
