Allein Maliksi looks to make the most
out his Gilas opportunity
by rick olivares
How do you overlook a
six-foot-four basketball player?
It’s easy in a sport overloaded
with giants who resemble tar fir trees and well, stacked and loaded line-ups.
And Allein Maliksi knows a thing or two about timing and waiting for a chance.
In college, the 6’4” forward sat
behind Dylan Ababou, Jeric Teng, and Khasim Mirza while playing for the
University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers. In his early years in the pros with
Barako Bull and the Star Hotshots, Allein sat behind James Yap and Alex
Mallari.
Nowadays, the 29-year old who
hails from Makati is making a name for himself with the Star Hotshots as one of
the team’s main men; a tough player with a predilection for scoring and making
big shots. And Allein is taking his game to an even bigger stage -- playing for
the Philippine Men’s Basketball National Team in the Seaba championships.
“Sa ngayon, fulfilling lahat ng
nangyayari,” admitted Maliksi. “Nabibigyan na ako ng chance sa PBA to show what
I can do and now I get a chance to wear the national colors. It’s very
fulfilling for me right now.”
For much of his young basketball
career, Maliksi played the role of reliever. In teams that went two-men deep
per position, it was difficult to get minutes. “You know you can play but when
you sit for so long, you have to also prove to yourself that you can play and
deliver consistently. Or else you got back to the bench.”
One thing about getting older is
the maturity that comes with it. At least supposedly. Maliksi, who has had to
wrestle with disappointment and eroding morale has responded well to the
challenges and opportunity given by Star Hotshots head coach Chito Victolero.
“Siguro it’s the chance to be here,” said Maliksi. “Yung iba kasi isang
pagkakataon, dalawa siguro, then wala na. Importante rin yung attitude,”
revealed Maliksi. “Siguro, marami rin akong practice sa paghihintay.”
The cager allows himself to
smile.
During the headshots photo shoot
for the FIBA website on the eve of the Seaba tournament, Maliksi, clutched his
Philippine jersey and seemed like he refused to let go. He’s right. It’s a
fulfillment of all his dreams.
With Gilas Pilipinas, the line-up
is deep once more. Maliksi doesn’t worry about it anymore. He knows whether he
has to spell Terrence Romeo or even Calvin Abueva, he’ll relish the chance.
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