Gian Mamuyac admitted leaving Rain or Shine was never easy, but the newly acquired Phoenix Fuel Masters guard said the warm welcome from his new team has helped him embrace a fresh start as he looks to build another winning culture in his new home.
Mamuyac made his Phoenix debut in the Fuel Masters’ 81-78 victory over Barangay Ginebra on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, finishing with six points, three assists, one rebound, and one block as Phoenix improved to 2-0 in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The former Rain or Shine guard said learning about the trade was initially difficult after spending four years with the Elasto Painters.
“Well, change is always hard. Four years din ako sa Rain or Shine,” Mamuyac said. “Lalo na, bagong territory. Naiilang talaga kasi aalis ka sa comfort zone mo.”
Despite his initial uncertainty, Mamuyac said everyone in the Phoenix organization immediately made him feel at home.
“But these guys in the locker room, they’ve been nothing but great in terms of helping me catch up and welcoming me with open arms from the bosses, the coaches, the players, and even the staff,” he said.
“Ramdam ko agad yung pag-welcome nila, which is a malaking bagay para sa akin. Kasi noon, natatakot ako kung ano ba ang feeling kapag na-trade.”
“But these guys, talagang tinulungan nila ako. Naging maganda itong experience na ito, and I’m really happy with this experience and this team.”
Mamuyac hopes to help Phoenix replicate the consistent success he experienced with Rain or Shine, where he reached the semifinals in consecutive conferences.
“Hopefully, makarating din kami sa semis nang sunod-sunod, and eventually, siguro hanggang finals,” he said.
Although he admitted it was difficult to leave behind the Elasto Painters, the 26-year-old stressed that his full commitment now belongs to Phoenix.
“Part naman talaga ng basketball. Parte talaga ito ng buhay namin,” Mamuyac said.
“So, I’m with Phoenix right now, and I’m committed.”
“Hopefully, kung ano man yung na-achieve ko sa Rain or Shine, tulad ng pag-abot sa semifinals, ma-achieve din namin dito.”
“Kasi I think we have something special. Most of my teammates, kasama ko rin noon sa UAAP, at mga winners din itong grupong ito. So hopefully, magtuloy-tuloy itong winning streak namin.”
Mamuyac also revealed that his jersey switch from No. 3 to No. 5 symbolizes a new beginning with the Fuel Masters.
“I’ve always wanted to wear No. 5,” he said.
“Pero siyempre, si Kuya Gabe ang may suot noon. Sakto lang din kasi si Kuya Perkins naman ang No. 3 dito sa Phoenix.”
“So okay lang din. New number, new start, fresh start. Hopefully, maging successful yung No. 5.”
The timing of the trade also sets up an emotional reunion, as Phoenix is scheduled to face Rain or Shine less than a week after the deal.
Mamuyac expects nothing less than a physical battle against the team that drafted him.
“May plano si Kuya Beau Belga,” he said with a laugh.
“But I expect them to go hard. Ganun naman talaga sa Rain or Shine, mga bata ni Coach Yeng. So I expect nothing less.”
“Siyempre, competitors kami. Pagdating sa court, once the ball goes up, wala nang kaibigan-kaibigan. Competitors muna kami.”
“Pero off the court naman, nagpaalam naman ako sa kanila personally at napag-usapan naman namin na close naman talaga kami.”
“So off the court, walang problema doon. Pero habang laro, galit-galit muna.”
Mamuyac’s debut may have been modest statistically, but with Phoenix off to a 2-0 start and another showdown looming against his former team, the Fuel Masters are hoping their newest acquisition can play a key role in sustaining their early momentum. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
The post Mamuyac embraces fresh start with Phoenix, eager for Rain or Shine reunion first appeared on Fastbreak.
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