As he made his way into the SMART Araneta Coliseum on a Saturday afternoon, RR Garcia felt right at home.
He was finally back in the PBA after nine-month long absence while he was with the TNT KaTropa.
“Sobrang saya kasi [ang] tagal kong hindi nakapaglaro dito. Nanonood lang ako sa TV noon.”
The six-year pro just signed with Phoenix Pulse last week. Saturday marked his debut for the Fuel Masters when they faced the NLEX Road Warriors in 2019 Governors’ Cup action.
Unfortunately, though, Phoenix Pulse lost, 116-123. Still, Garcia is simply happy to play again.
“Siyempre masaya din ako na nakabalik ako sa PBA,” said the 29-year-old, who also tried out for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painter but wasn’t signed.
“Sama rin na first game talo kami. Sana makabawi.”
Now that he has played his first game, Garcia plans to regain his old form as the conference goes along.
“Medyo nangagapa pa ako. Siyempre, ang tagal ko nawala,” said the 5-foot-11 guard from Zamboanga, who finished with nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 19 minutes.
“Medyo kinakapos pa ‘ko,” added the former UAAP Most Valuable Player with Far Eastern University.
“Siguro mga seventy to eighty [percent] pa lang ako. Mga tatlo o apat siguro [na laro, makukuha ko na].”
