Abu Tratter admitted he was extra motivated playing against Blackwater to show his former team what they're missing after playing a key role in Alaska's 101-91 victory Saturday.
Tratter had 18 points, six rebound and two steals in 33 minutes against the Elite as the Aces improved to 2-6 and stayed in contention for a playoff berth with three games left in the PBA Governors' Cup eliminations.
"It feels great knowing it was a team that I was once a part of. Just to kinda show my caliber in the game, see my teammates working hard, giving me motivation not just me, but the rest of the team, to go out and win for Alaska," Tratter said.
Blackwater acquired Tratter through a trade with NLEX, the team that selected the Fil-Am seventh overall pick in last year's PBA Rookie Draft.
He had an up-and-down stint during his two-conference stint with the Elite, averaging 10.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals in the Philippine Cup before his numbers dipped to 3.9 points and 2.1 rebounds in the Commissioner's Cup.
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Blackwater eventually shipped Tratter last month to Alaska in exchange for Carl Bryan Cruz.
That is why Tratter felt a sense of satisfaction after performing well against Blackwater and helping the Aces snatch the much-needed win.
"Just to see that was the team that I was happy on, that was the team that traded for me and then to see me go, it was something that I took to heart," he said.
"That's what I've been working on with Alaska, just making sure I play my role but also improve. But today was a different story, today I wanted to prove myself," added Tratter.
Tratter is the fourth-leading local scorer for the Aces with 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. He credited his solid showing to the confidence given to him by the coaching staff.
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"I'm just happy to be on the team, happy to be on a team that I consider home," said Tratter. "We have a great coaching staff -- coach Jeff (Cariaso), coach Tony (De la Cruz) and coach Danny (Ildefonso), who helps me everyday mentally and physically, showing me different moves. I just try to absorb everything."
Alaska is hoping that Tratter continues to play well as the team looks to stay in the hunt for the quarterfinals. (JT)
