PBA: Mav Ahanmisi embraces pressure ahead of Ginebra debut
New Ginebra recruit Maverick Ahanmisi during the PBA Media Day. –MELO FUERTES/Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—All eyes were on Mav Ahanmisi during the PBA offseason a few months ago.
A few months later the story’s the same: the attention is still on Ahanmisi, except this time, he’s wearing a Ginebra jersey.
The anticipation for the sharpshooter’s next team after Converge played almost like a telenovela in the first half of the year. Now, his story’s next chapter is about to unfold with the Gin Kings in the PBA’s 48th season.
Of course, having eyes on you for a long time builds up pressure but Ahanmisi declared that he wouldn’t have it any other way.
“That’s (pressure) what you live for. That’s what you want to play here for. It’s that pressure of trying to win a title, there’s not very many players or organizations who can say they’re always contending for a title,” said Ahanmisi in the league’s Media Day at One Esplanade on Wednesday.
“That’s what you sign up for when you play here but I enjoy it.”
When the 32-year-old’s contract expired earlier this year, he mulled for a long time whether to resign with Converge or ink a new deal elsewhere.
Ultimately, Ahanmisi signed a deal with Ginebra in September, almost in the same timeframe as the PBA Draft.
Ahanmisi was coveted by teams after he had his career-best season with the FiberXers, averaging 19.9 points to go along with 6.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.
Thankfully for the former Rain or Shine cager, he has reinforcements to help him deflect pressure in the form of his new backcourt partner, Scottie Thompson.
Ahanmisi expressed his excitement and eagerness to play with the Gilas Pilipinas guard for the upcoming season.
“It’s going to be fun for sure. I played him my entire career, we came at the same time, I know he’s a competitor and just to be on his side now, it’s going to be so fun,” he said.
Leaving Converge with no hard feelings
As far as Ahanmisi is concerned, he left the FiberXers camp without any qualms or hatred.
If anything, he even commended his former team for giving him the opportunity to flourish with the Purple and Green jersey before he moved on to his dream team.
“I can’t really put it into words but I just want to commend those guys over at Converge for letting me play the type of game I had that season. Commend to coach (Aldin) Ayo, the Converge management and all my teammates but I’m excited [here].”
“Like I said, there’s no other team I’d rather play for than Ginebra so I’m glad I’m here now.”
Ginebra’s first game will be filled with stories to watch for as it faces Ahanmisi’s previous squad Converge on Friday, Nov. 10, at Araneta Coliseum.
