Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) EOG

Basketball

On eve of PBA return, Tallo expresses gratitude to Chooks for giving confidence back


Mac Tallo’s return to the Philippine Basketball Association wasn’t as smooth as he had hoped.

Unbeknownst to him and Converge, the 29-year-old guard from Cebu had an outstanding penalty to serve after being released by NLEX in 2019.

During that time, Tallo had tested positive for a banned substance and was supposed to serve a six-month suspension.

However, as he had already been released by the Road Warriors, he was never notified of the suspension.

For weeks, Tallo had countless sleepless nights, waiting for the PBA’s verdict.

Finally, on Friday, he was cleared to play for the FiberXers.2018-asia-league-super-8-Guangzhou-def-nlex-mac-tallo On eve of PBA return, Tallo expresses gratitude to Chooks for giving confidence back Basketball Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 News PBA  - philippine sports news

“Siyempre, sobrang saya ko,” Tallo told Tiebreaker Times. “It’s been four years bago ako nakabalik sa PBA. Akala ko talaga hindi na ako makakabalik.

“Since six years old ako, this was my dream tapos ngayon makakasama ko pa ulit si Coach Aldin (Ayo). Talagang nagpapasalamat ako sa PBA at sa Converge, kayla Gov. Archen (Cayabyab), at kay Boss Jacob (Lao) na nakabalik ako.”

It was Ayo who believed that Tallo deserved a second chance. During Ayo’s time with Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3×3, Tallo was the first player on his wishlist to serve as the face and anchor of his team.

For three years, Tallo worked his way back, eventually earning the distinction of being the country’s top 3×3 player. Spida-Mac was back.

However, in early October, with the country’s hopes of making it to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament fading, a mutual agreement was reached between Chooks-to-Go and Tallo, which allowed him to return to 5-on-5 basketball.

Tallo remains forever grateful to Chooks-to-Go, owner Ronald Mascarinas, and its vice president Mel Macasaquit.Chooks-3x3-Quest-2.0-Cebu-vs-Butuan-Mac-Tallo On eve of PBA return, Tallo expresses gratitude to Chooks for giving confidence back Basketball Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas 3x3 News PBA  - philippine sports news

“This would not have been possible without the trust of Boss Mel and Boss Ronald of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas. They have given me the confidence that I have right now. I’m eternally grateful.”

On Wednesday, Tallo embarks on a new journey—a return to 5-on-5 basketball, with the Blackwater Bossing as their opponents.

#ReadMore  Allen Durham not looking far ahead even as Meralco keeps playoff hopes alive

Excited about what lies ahead, Tallo is tempering expectations, knowing that he has to re-adjust to 5-on-5 basketball after dedicating his life to 3×3.

“Don’t expect too much from me. It’s been four years since I played 5-on-5. I’m still adjusting to my new role and surrendering again to the coach’s system.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Alex Cabagnot has officially decided to hang up his jersey, ending a remarkable 20-year career in professional basketball. Converge announced on Monday that the...

AU

Chico Manabat is making the leap to the big league. The youthful coach has been appointed as the lead deputy for Converge, starting with...

Basketball

Converge and Blackwater have completed a trade as they gear up for the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup. The Bossing sent Rey Suerte to the...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Yeng Guiao wouldn’t have minded if Converge qualified for the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals instead of his own team. Rain...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Heroes were aplenty as Rain or Shine ousted Converge, 112-103, to complete the reverse sweep and make its way into the PBA...

Basketball

Adrian Nocum starred as Rain or Shine got back at Converge by way of a 114-100 victory to force their PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s...

Basketball

Converge pulled away late to beat a depleted — and deflated — Rain or Shine, 130-118, and move a win away from the PBA...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – San Miguel needed to call Lady Luck for some help in overcoming a vengeful Converge, 116-113, and breathe life into its flat-lining...

Advertisement