For Raymond Almazan, there’s no reason for him to dwell on the past.
The 6-foot-8 center is all locked in to help his Rain or Shine Elasto Painters compete in the upcoming 44th season of the PBA, following the rough time he had in the previous edition of Asia’s first-ever play-for-pay basketball league.
Last season, Almazan was the talk of the town, but for the wrong reasons. He had gone AWOL and missed the majority of Rain or Shine’s campaign in the Governors’ Cup due to a reported misunderstanding between him and head coach Caloy Garcia.
The lanky cager later patched things up and showed up at the Elasto Painters’ camp weeks later, but the team ruled him out for the season. Rain or Shine ended their campaign in the season-ending conference with a 3-8 record.
“Happy ako sa team ko.
“Happy ako sa mga teammate ko, sa coaching staff. I’m just doing my job so yung mga nangyari last year past na yon, move forward na,” said Almazan during the first-ever PBA Media Day, Thursday at The Tent at Solaire Hotel and Casino.
Almazan – who has had a history of going AWOL ever since his Letran Knights days – said that he is excited to suit up and go to battle with his brothers–in-arms in the Philippine Cup, as he wants to make things up with his team.
“Siyempre [gusto kong makabawi] especially sa team, sa management kasi nakakahiya yung ganung pangyayari,” he said.
“Excited talaga ako maglaro.”
The field for the upcoming season has become a lot stronger, with teams such as reigning, four-time conference champs San Miguel Beermen stacking their roster further. Almazan is aware of it, but he assured RoS is ready.
“Ngayon ang daming malalakas na team. Pero ready kami,” he said.
