Brian Heruela. Photo by Mark Giongco/INQUIRER.net
After spending most their time riding the San Miguel Beer bench for the past several seasons, Brian Heruela and David Semerad are looking forward to playing a more significant role with their new squad TNT.
Heruela and Semerad were part of the deal that sent embattled guard Terrence Romeo to the Beermen last month.
“They’ll definitely get more of a chance here there’s no doubt about that. They fit in really well here with what we’re trying to do,” TNT consultant Mark Dickel said after Monday’s practice at Moro Lorenzo Sports Center inside Ateneo de Manila University campus in Quezon City.
Heruela and Semerad are eager to show what they’re capable of something that they weren’t able to do during their time with the Beermen, who relied heavily on their star-studded core of June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Marcio Lassiter, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross, due to their lack of playing time.
The 29-year-old Heruela was a third round pick by Blackwater in 2014 but he emerged as one of the Elite’s top players before he was surprisingly traded to the Beermen.
“I learned a lot coming from SMB. I’ve matured. To be honest, whether or not it’s a big role, my mindset is to just be physically and mentally ready,” Heruela said.
The 6-foot-4 Semerad has yet to get his break in the pros but his collegiate career at San Beda where he won four championships speaks for himself.
“I’m a hustle player. I work hard on defense. I’m working on pick and rolls with the team so I fit in well here,” said Semerad, who joins his twin brother Anthony at TNT.
The Semerad twins are teammates for the first time since their collegiate days.
The two, along with fellow new acquisition Michael Miranda get their chance to prove themselves on opening day with TNT taking on Barangay Ginebra to usher in the PBA’s 44th Season on Sunday at Philippine Arena.
“Whatever it is that I can do to help the team, I’m more than willing to do that,” said much-improved big man Michael Miranda, who blossomed into a dependable role player under Yeng Guiao at NLEX.