PBA IMAGES
LUCENA — Raymond Almazan has always been vocal about donning the national colors.
Offering his services back then, the lanky big man was content on helping Gilas Pilipinas even just as a practice player.
But on Friday, the Rain or Shine center was more than just that as he was tapped in coach Chot Reyes’ 12-man lineup for the upcoming 2017 SEABA Championship next month.
And Almazan’s emotions couldn’t be contained with the announcement, saying, “Even then that I was called to be a practice player, I was already so happy. What more now that I’m part of the lineup. I’m really very happy.”
The former Letran stalwart believes that his selection into the SEABA 12 is a culmination of the effort he put in since being named in the national team pool.
“The coaches see all the work we put in, so if you’re really working hard, you shouldn’t be scared that you won’t be included in the lineup,” he said.
Now that he’s a part of the Gilas 12 for the regional tournament, Almazan vowed to give his all.
“I promise I’m going to give my best. I’m gonna put my hard work every game. We always say ‘puso’ so we’ll show that in our games. We won’t back down from anyone there,” he said.