MANILA, Philippines – Raymond Almazan knows he has plenty to showcase after having a relatively quiet debut for Meralco.

The wiry big man finished with just 3 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal in nearly 13 minutes of play as Meralco hacked out a 101-95 win over Phoenix in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Friday, June 7.

It was obviously not the way Almazan wanted to start his stint with the Bolts, but he is remaining patient considering he had been sidelined for quite some time due to a calf injury. 

“Gusto ko lang makatulong sa team kung ano ‘yung kailangan ni coach Norman (Black). Sa mga susunod na games sana makuha ko ‘yung timing ko,” said Almazan, who missed both of his two field goals. 

(I just want to help the team with whatever coach Norman needs from me. I hope that I get my timing in our next games.) 

“Medyo late pa reaction. Pero makukuha ko ‘yun siguro mga ilang games lang, parang pagpag ganoon.” 

(I still have a late reaction. But I think I can improve on that in the next couple of games.) 

“Sana talaga sa mga next game ko, makuha ko talaga ‘yung laro ko, ‘yung healthy na Raymond Almazan.” 

(I hope that in the next couple of games I can show my true game and play like a healthy Raymond Almazan.) 

Nevertheless, Almazan cherishes a new lease on his PBA career after parting ways with Rain or Shine – the team that drafted him in 2013. 

“Sobrang thankful kasi hindi naman lahat ng player nabibigyan ng chance. I’m coming from an injury, 3 months ata, so every opportunity na binibigay sa akin ginagamit ko talaga.” 

(I’m very thankful because not all players are given a chance. I’m coming from an injury and out for probably 3 months, so I’m seizing every opportunity that is given to me.) 

Almazan and Meralco shoot for a third straight win when they meet Alaska at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Sunday, June 9. – Rappler.com