After TNT’s campaign in the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Tour Macau Masters last weekend, Almond Vosotros immediately suited up three days later.
However, it was not for the Triple Giga in PBA 3×3. Instead, he was playing for the Tropang Giga in the PBA on Tour.
The 13th overall pick in the 2015 Rookie Draft admitted that he had to adjust on the fly during their game against Rain or Shine. After all, the 5-foot-10 gunslinger had been playing in the half-court and with a smaller ball over the past three years.
“Naninibago ako nung una. Yung first three shots ko, sabi ko ang laki ng bola. Yung takbuhan din, nanibago ako pero nakapag-adjust ako nung second half,” said the current third-ranked 3×3 player in the country.
Vosotros, along with fellow TNT 3×3 players Ping Exciminiano, Gryann Mendoza, and Lervin Flores, were called up by acting head coach Sandy Arespacochaga to join the Tropang Giga after a couple of their players went down with the flu.
(C) PBA Images
His lack of practice in the 5-on-5 setting showed in the first half as Vosotros went just 1-of-7 from the field.
Vosotros was able to pick it up in the second half, eventually netting three of his next six attempts, including back-to-back treys to start the final frame.
“Oo, iba yung feeling na maglaro ng five-on-five,” he said.
Vosotros ended up with 11 points and three assists, but TNT fell to ROS, 106-100.
Still, Vosotros is grateful for the opportunity to once again be back in the full court.
“Unang-una, masaya kasi yung opportunity to play five-on-five nandiyan pa rin. Yung confidence in the long run kung sakali patawag kami sa five-on-five, hindi pa rin nawawala,” he said.
“Sobrang thankful kami sa binibigay sa amin ng TNT management.”
Vosotros and the rest of the Triple Giga are currently in the midst of the season while trying to gain another ticket to the FIBA 3×3 circuit. After all, they need to rack up as many points for the country as the Olympic cutoff is set in November.
But Vosotros stresses that whenever TNT’s 5-on-5 team needs their help, they are just one phone call away.
“Kung ano yung desisyon ng management, kami family kami dito kaya kung ano matutulong namin sa five-on-five nandiyan kami.”
