After MPBL disappointment, Abu Tratter gets call from Gilas for Asiad

MANILA, Philippines – After a disappointing attempt at the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), things are looking up for Gilas cadet Abu Tratter.

Tratter, who was set to play for the Bataan Defenders, will be a part of the 12-man Philippine team that will see action in the Asian Games in Indonesia in August.

The announcement comes right after the former De La Salle University forward, who stands at 6-foot-6, was ruled ineligible to play in the MPBL, which imposes a height limit of 6-foot-4 for Filipino foreigners. 

Tratter, instead, returned to the PBA D-League to play anew for the Marinerong Pilipino. He recorded 10 points and 8 rebounds in the Skippers’ 42-point mandhandling of the Batangas-EAC Generals on Monday, June 18. 

For the 25-year-old, donning the national colors is a breath of fresh air in the wake of a frustrating try in the MPBL. 

“I am Filipino. I was born here and raised here for 5 years. [The rule] took away some of the privileges that I had being a Filipino and an American citizen,” he said of the ruling.

“It is what it is. It’s just unfortunate, it’s something sad and something that hopefully will change in the future.”

This is the second time Tratter will be representing the Philippines as a part of Gilas Pilipinas.

He was a member of the national team that bowed out to Australia, 68-84, in the second window of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIBA World Cup last February.

“I always had it in the back of my mind to let the coaches see that I’m working hard and improving. Of course, it was something I wanted. I had no idea, [but] I’m excited,” Tratter said. 

“At this point, I’m already focused on other things, bigger and better things. Blessings are still coming,” he added. “I’m making sure that I still work hard and still focus on the things that I need to improve.” – Franco Luna/Rappler.com