Aljon Mariano would be the first to acknowledge that his days with Barangay Ginebra will be sorely missed.
But Mariano also accepts that getting traded from a title contender to a lowly Terrafirma squad is one of the harsh realities of being a PBA player, and will look to make the best out of the situation. ‘I can’t say that I won’t miss my time with Ginebra,’ Mariano said after posting 10 points, two rebounds and three assists in his Dyip debut that ended with a 125-108 loss to the Converge FiberXers on Wednesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Mariano was an additional piece in the deal that sent Maverick Ahanmisi to Terrafirma in exchange for a first-round pick in next season’s Rookie Draft. The move was consummated after Ahanmisi had sought a trade, citing his desire to get more playing minutes.
Mariano has been with Ginebra since being taken in the second round of the 2015 Draft, and was a role player or a bit part in the seven championships he won while with the crowd favorites.
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‘I had a lot of experiences with them, and built a lot of relationships in my 10 years since I was drafted. That has been my routine every day with Ginebra and I’ve been used to being in the playoffs, winning championships.
‘But I have to move on, I’m here with my new team and that’s my focus now and provide some experience to the younger players,’ added Mariano.
The 33-year-old will be playing alongside some familiar players, namely Ahanmisi and another ex-Ginebra player in Paul Garcia. He also reunited with Terrafirma team governor Pido Jarencio, his coach when he suited up for University of Santo Tomas in the UAAP.