By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
WRAPPING UP their commitment with the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League’s San Juan Knights, guards Mike Ayonayon and Renzo Subido said they are excited and looking forward to playing in the Philippine Basketball Association.
Drafted by the NLEX Road Warriors and Northport Batang Pier, respectively, Messrs. Ayonayon and Subido have been juggling duties for the MPBL and the PBA at the moment, a process they said takes a lot of effort and energy but something they are enjoying and has accepted.
“It’s a lot of work since the two teams (San Juan and NLEX) have different systems. But I am enjoying myself despite it being tiring because this is the path I chose. So I am making the adjustment,” said Mr. Ayonayon, who was nabbed by the Road Warriors at number three in the regular PBA Rookie Draft in December at the league media day for Season 45 on Thursday at Okada Manila Grand Ballroom.
“For now I have been juggling between NLEX and San Juan. But since the MPBL is in the playoffs I ask permission from NLEX to give needed focus on San Juan as well which they understand,” added the Philippine Christian University product.
Having landed in the first round in the last PBA draft, Mr. Ayonayon said there are expectations from him to deliver accordingly and he is taking the challenge head-on even as he said that he is motivated to play under Coach Yeng Guiao with NLEX.
“I do not put much pressure on myself but I am proud to have landed in the first round. I am motivated to play under Coach Yeng as he can surely help me in correcting mistakes in my game and be a better player,” he said.
But before he gives his full time with the Road Warriors, Mr. Ayonayon is determined to give Randy Alcantara-coached San Juan another title in the MPBL, even starring in the Knights’ 86-84 victory over the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the series-opener of their best-of-five MPBL Lakan North semifinal joust last Saturday.
Mr. Ayonayon drained the go-ahead basket as time expired to push San Juan over Pampanga.
With the shot clock off, the San Juan guard took Pampanga’s Travis Thompson on an isolation play, drove to the basket, shot fake, threw up a floater as his shot bounced once at the back iron before bouncing in for the buzzer-beater.
Apart from scoring the game-winner, it was also a solid bounce back for Mr. Ayonayon (12 points and six rebounds) who was scoreless in their quarterfinal series-clincher with Pasay.
FAMILIAR FACES
For University of Santo Tomas standout Subido, apart from finally playing in the PBA, also having him excited entering the league is the chance to play with familiar faces.
With Northport, Mr. Subido, the 24th pick overall in the regular draft, gets to team up with former UST Tigers Kevin Ferrer, Jervy Cruz and coach Pido Jarencio.
“I was nervous at first but they (UST guys) have been guiding me and helping the transition for me to be easy. I’m excited to play for Coach Pido,” said Mr. Subido, who was recruited to play for UST by Mr. Jarencio but was not able to play under him as the coach got an offer to handle Northport’s predecessor GlobalPort in the PBA.
Mr. Subido said he has been practicing with Northport since being drafted and is determined to be of help to the team.
