Apr 24, 2018

Don Trollano makes presence felt in first game with TNT


AMID the hoopla surrounding Terrence Romeo's first game for TnT Katropa, Don Trollano quietly yet effectively also made a decent debut for the Katropa during the PBA Commissioner's Cup opener.

The 26-year-old wingman played for his new team without much fanfare and contributed 11 points in a 128-114 win over Globalport.

Trollano added five rebounds and shot 4-of-7 from the field in a stint which he considers as the start of a new phase of his pro career.

"Panibagong buhay, panibagong family," said the former Adamson star after the highly-physical game that focused on Romeo's very first outing with the telecommunication franchise.

Unlike Romeo, who's known as an explosive scorer, his offensive contribution is just a mere bonus as Trollano said defending the perimeter has been the primary reason why the franchise traded for him and sent big man Norbert Torres to Rain or Shine.
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"Yung role ko naman dito is more on defense at taga abang-abang lang (ng bola) kasi alam mo naman madami tayong guards (dito), said Trollano, a native of Gigmoto, Catanduanes. "Sabi lang ni kuya Jayson (Castro), pag open ka itira mo lang. Medyo pumapasok naman yung mga tira ko kaya tinuloy ko lang."

Romeo incidentally, also finished with 11 points but was 4-of-13 from the field, had three assists, two boards, and committed five turnovers.

While TnT's trade for Romeo had long been expected, it wasn't in the case of Trollano, who did not see the deal coming.

"Nagulat siyempre kasi bigla na lang lumabas. Pero ganun talaga yung buhay ng player. Hindi natin mae-expect kung kelan tayo mate-trade. Be ready lang talaga," he said.

"Wala naman bad blood sa amin," said Trollano of his first team as a pro, where he won a championship during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup. "Very thankful ako sa kanila sa tiwalang binigay nila sa akin."
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He had no difficulty adjusting with the TnT system as he appreciates the support extended to him by the team's veterans such as Castro and Ryan Reyes.

"Mabilis naman akong naka-adjust kasi yung mga veterans nila ini-encourage din ako na gawin yung ganito, yung ganun," Trollano said.

Another thing that made him at home with the Katropa right away is the presence of long-time teammate Jericho Cruz, who was also acquired by the team through a trade that involved rookie Sidney Onwubere, Kris Rosales, and a 2018 first round pick.

Cruz and Trollano go a long way since their playing days with Adamson under former coach Leo Austria.

"Hindi kami pinaghihiwalay simula college, then sa Rain or Shine, tpos sa TnT naman ngayon," he said. "Mukhang tinadhana talaga kaming magkasama." (RG)