Pumaren’s PBA return inspires Menor to make comeback

With a chance to revive his professional career, Ogie Menor is willing to take the long road as he joins Batangas in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup.

“This is a challenge for me. It’s like I dreamed again and I went back to college. I’ll play in the D-League to make it back to the PBA. I think I can still play for two to three years.”

The 30-year-old returned from the United States last week in the hopes to get a crack at a PBA roster anew.

Playing in blacktop hoops and coaching eighth and ninth graders in the US, Menor said he was inspired to make a comeback with the return of his mentor in Air21 coach Franz Pumaren to the pro league as the coach of GlobalPort.

“I told myself that if coach Franz returns to the PBA, I want to make a comeback. Even if he don’t sign me, he was really my guide. He was my reason why I tried to be fit again.”

Though the former San Beda standout admitted he’s still out-of-shape, he’s trying his best to make it back to his peak form.

“I’m still out-of-shape. I’m trying my best to get back on my conditioning but it’s still different practicing with a team.”

Fortunately, coach Eric Gonzales allowed him to be a part of his Batangas squad, and the veteran immediately made his imprint, finishing with nine points on a 3-7 shooting, five rebounds, two assists 15 minutes in the squad’s 101-95 loss to AMA Online University on Thursday.

Menor is keeping his hopes up that all of these sacrifice will be worth it in the end.

“Hopefully. I don’t dream to be a superstar. It’s already in my mindset to just be a role player.”