Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — With less than two weeks to go before the opening of the new season, pressure begins to mount for Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) neophytes, more so for those playing for the most popular club in the league.
Such is the case for Aljon Mariano, who was tabbed by crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings in the second round of the rookie draft in August.
Fortunately for the versatile forward, his foray into professional basketball has been fluid so far.
“Yun una medyo mahirap (adjustment) kasi magagaling talaga mga kasama ko,” the former NBA Jr. All Star said on Monday (October 5).
“Mas OK ngayon kasi lahat kami bago. Lahat kami learning the new (triangle) system ni coach Tim (Cone), sabay-sabay kaming naga-adjust.”
It also helps that he feels at home at Ginebra, where his comrades are his brothers.
But the former University of Santo Tomas standout singled out Ginebra star Mark Caguioa as the one who has served as his mentor since draft day.
“Si Kuya Mark, nung draft palang siya na yung madalas kong nakakausap. Nung team building namin roommates pa kami,” he said.
“Lahat naman sila madali makausap. Parang family na turing nila kahit bago pa lang ako.”
Mariano is not expecting to immediately play significant minutes with Ginebra once the Philippine Cup unfolds on October 18, but he is ready to contribute whatever is needed from him when called.
“Gusto ko lang i-earn yung minutes na ipapalaro sa akin. At kapag nabigyan, kailangan quality talaga,” he said.
