PBA: Jeric Fortuna on trade to SMB: 'Malungkot na masaya'

Jeric Fortuna expressed mixed feelings after playing his first game in a San Miguel Beer jersey on Sunday following his trade from Barako Bull Energy.

 

"Malungkot na masaya," said the guard, who averaged 7.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in his first four games of the season under Barako.

 

Fortuna said he felt happy upon learning that he would be traded to San Miguel, a strong contender in the PBA, but also felt sad because of his bond with his Barako teammates.

 

"Masaya din in a way na magandang team. I can learn from good players, great players," he said. "Nalungkot din kasi s'yempre one year na ako sa Barako."

 

The trade is a first for Fortuna, who was selected 14th overall by Barako in the 2013 PBA rookie draft.

 

"S'yempre nagulat ako," he said. "First trade ko, 'di ko alam kung anong ie-expect ko."

 

Fortuna, however, shifted gears easily and practiced with the Beermen for five days before seeing seven minutes of action against the Gin Kings.

 

"Simpleng basketball lang," he said. "Nung nalaman ko 'yung trade, nagpractice lang ako."

 

The guard said he is still adjusting to San Miguel with the new teammates and new plays, but he is thankful for the opportunity to play with the team.

 

"Thankful lang ako na andito ako sa magandang team," he said. "Sana maka-adjust ako soon para maganda 'yung mapakita ko." — JST, GMA News