Dylan Ababou wants people to remember him

MANILA, Philippines — On opening day of the 39^th season of the PBA, Dylan Ababou was drowning in cheers and applause.

After dropping all of his 16 points in the second half against the San Mig Coffee Mixers, the Barangay Ginebra faithful finally had reason to cheer again for the comebacking swingman.

Ababou sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury on his right knee about a year ago, ironically, against San Mig Coffee as well. The injury sidelined him for practically a year, as he deferred his return last conference for a few more months because he still felt pain. The long absence meant most people had already overlooked him. 

So when he checked into the game at the 6:43 mark of the third period, Ababou made sure everyone heard his name again.

Just as Ginebra was attempting to build some momentum and overturn the San Mig Coffee lead, the 6’3″ Ababou made a jumper that cut Ginebra’s deficit to 6, 44-50. (READ: Ginebra walks the talk of the offseason)

With a little bit of confidence, he then tried his luck from his sweet spot on the corner beyond the arc. The shot missed, but his confidence did not leave him.

“Hindi naman, kasi open shot eh. Nalaman ko na nakaka-open ako, nakakalibre ako ng tira,” he shared his thoughts after missing his first three-point attempt. “Napansin ko na hindi masyado ganoon kadikit yung depensa.” (No because it was an open shot. I found that I was getting open and free for shots. I noticed the defense wasn’t that tight.)

Raring to prove that the explosive version of himself is still in him, Ababou pulled up from the same spot on the corner with 3:45 left in the third. This time, the shot swished through. It was the first of three triples he would make for the rest of the game. (READ: AS IT HAPPENS: PBA 2014 Opening Day)

Aside from three-pointers, Ababou was also a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and collared three boards along with one assist and one steal.

For Ababou, that splendid performance was all part of his mission to be remembered by those who may have forgotten about him.

“Kasi parang nakakalimutan na ng tao yung nag-exist ako. Kasi one year rin ako nawala,” he lamented. “Marami na rin mga names na nag-akyatan, medyo natabunan na ako. So good din sa akin ‘tong game na ‘to para maalala nila ako.” (It’s like people forgot I existed. I was gone for one year. So many names moved up, and I got buried. So this game is good for me, so people will remember me.)

Ababou also admitted thinking he had only one shot at proving himself. If he didn’t perform well in this game, his playing time might suffer.

“Wala rin ako choice eh. Pag hindi naging maganda yung game ko, baka hindi rin ganoon kaganda yung playing time ko,” he said, noting that his knee still hurts a little and he’s still at 90% of his game. “So super importante sa akin na pagpasok, putok agad.” (I have no choice. If I don’t play a good game, I might not get good playing time. So it was important for me to come out strong.)

Ababou was all smiles as he emerged from the pressroom after the usual post-game press conference. He granted photo requests and more interviews, still wearing his sweaty jersey. He hadn’t even been to the dugout yet.

For him, that’s as good as any indication that he had been successful in his goal for that night. To further ascertain his return, Ababou was met with a roar of applause upon entering the Ginebra dugout after the press conference.

“Sobrang saya ko. Ngayon na lang ulit ako naging ganito kasaya after a year.” (I’m so happy. This is the first time I’ve felt this happy after a year.) –Rappler.com