ALMAZAN EAGER TO MAKE AMENDS AFTER EDSA BUSWAY INCIDENT

RAYMOND Almazan expressed regret, feeling he disappointed Meralco after being embroiled in controversy for illegally passing through the Edsa busway last week.

Acknowledging the impact of his actions, he was determined to make amends, especially after missing a game against Converge due to the viral traffic violation.

Despite returning to play against Phoenix, Almazan's performance fell below expectations, managing only three points and four rebounds.

"I want to let it go," said Almazan. "Pero siyempre, alam naman natin ‘yung surrounding ng social media. I’m not a perfect person. I said sorry already. Admitted talaga na honest mistake."

"Medyo nakaapekto kasi iniisip ko ‘yung team namin. I’m one of the veterans and I’m a co-cap. Kailangan ko mag-lead by example," said Almazan.

Almazan atoned on Sunday when he had 12 points and 11 rebounds to lift Meralco to a 74-51 win over Magnolia, a key victory that enabled the Bolts to claim a 5-5 win-loss record.

"I want to show it today especially may sinasabi sa amin si coach Nenad (Vucivic) at coach Luigi (Trillo) na ‘yung mga vets, kailangan mag-step up kasi our backs are against the wall," said Almazan.

Almazan said he is happy to have a team that trusts in him, and that includes Meralco head coach Luigi Trillo, who has been his coach even before his entry into the PBA.

"Coach Luigi knows me since D-League days. He is the one na parang naglilift up sa akin every game. If we have a bad game, he is always there na ‘Raymond, I trust you. I believe in you.’ Even our coaching staff, coach Nenad. ‘Yung game na ‘to, nawala na sa akin ‘yung mga ganung issue. Focus na lang ako sa game at focus ako ngayon dahil gusto naming makapasok sa quarterfinals."

It’s safe to say that Almazan has moved on from the incident as his goal now is to help Meralco in its bid to clinch a berth in the quarterfinals.

"All the distractions, set aside muna then let’s see what happens," said Almazan.

2024-04-28T12:03:30Z dg43tfdfdgfd