Don Trollano, cut from Gilas Pilipinas in 2018, now takes on veteran role in Asian Games

In 2018, Don Trollano was cut from the Gilas Pilipinas team as Jordan Clarkson made his way into the Philippine men’s national basketball team.

Eight years later, Trollano will finally make his Asian Games debut with the national team.

“Honored and blessed and excited at the same time kasi nga first time. Last time kasi naudlot,” he said in a press conference.

Trollano, however, will now come in as one of the veterans of the team.

“Last time ako ‘yung pinakabata, now ako yata ‘yung pinakamatanda sa grupo na ito, so honored and blessed.”

Motivated to defend the gold medal, Trollano said his role as a veteran is to be a leader both on and off the court.

“Siguro, yung pagiging leader, to remind the guys, siguro ‘yun talaga pinaka-role ko kasi matanda na ko eh. At saka mabagal na siguro, di na kaya tumakbo lagi,” he said in jest.

“[Be a] leader, remind lang ‘yung guys ano ang tama at kailangan gawin.”

Trollano also knows he needs to stay ready for whatever is asked of him. After all, it is a rare opportunity to represent the country.

“For me, staying ready lang, ‘di ko rin naman alam kung anong mangyayari so for me, stay ready,” he said.

“Kumpiyansa lang siguro. It’s my first time playing international. Just stay ready.”

Gilas Pilipinas will begin its title defense bid on September 11.

—JKC, GMA News