Gelo Alolina for Tanduay. PBA IMAGES
Despite being a new addition to Tanduay, Gelo Alolino has slowly gotten himself accustomed to coach Lawrence Chongson’s system and has been a huge part of the Rhum Masters’ run in the 2016 PBA D-League Foundation Cup.
And there’s a reason for this, as the NU playmaker is hopeful to make his mark in preparation for his entry to the 2016 PBA Rookie Draft.
“Ang focus ko muna, nandito sa D-League kasi focused din ako para sa draft,” he said.
Though part of the initial list of candidates who could be tapped for the Gilas cadets program, the 6-foot guard said his first priority is to enter the pros this year.
“Yun ang tinitingnan ko, yung draft,” he shared.
So far, Alolino has been steady for Tanduay, providing the team with stability it needs in its title run in the developmental league.
Tthe 6-foot playmaker unloaded 22 points, six rebounds, and three assists in Tanduay’s come-from-behind 84-80 win over Cafe France in a game where the Rhum Masters battled back from 20-points down.
It was quite an unusual move from Chongson, relying on Alolino rather than his veteran Rudy Lingganay. But the 22-year-old sees it differently.
“Gusto lang ni coach Lawrence na mas fresh legs siguro. Ginamit lang namin yung advantage namin kaya mas bumilis kami sa court at binigay namin yung best effort namin. Nakakapagod pero panalo naman,” he said.
Chongson also praised Alolino for his stellar showing and the big shots he made in the clutch.
“You take the good with the bad with Gelo. He’s a big time player sa pinanggalingan nya and it’s good for us that his efforts are paying off.”
Despite the high marks from his coach, Alolino is still determined to improve and in the process, contribute in Tanduay’s title aspirations.
“I’m happy pero di pa ako contented,” he said. “Di pa natatapos ang liga sa first round dahil may second round pa. I’m still looking forward na mag-jell kami. Kailangan lang namin i-maintain every game yung magandang ginagawa namin at mas maganda na mag-improve pa kami.”