ALWAYS be ready.
It's the simple piece of advice former teammates and friends from De La Salle had given to Phoenix rookie Aljun Melecio now that he's set to join them in the PBA.
Jeron Teng, Norbert Torres, and Kib Montalbo all welcomed with open arms the newest Green Archer to join the pro bandwagon and were quick to remind him about being always on his feet especially in a league where the influx of talent comes at a fast pace.
Teng, the Alaska Aces wingman and the most decorated of the three PBA veterans during their time together at Taft Avenue, stressed it is imperative for Melecio to immediately find his niche with the Fuel Masters.
"Sa lahat ng mga teams naman we all play our roles and its important na mahanap mo agad right away," said the 27-year-old Teng in the latest episode of the PBA Kamustahan featuring the Tropang La Salle.
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"And every year you have to improve kasi nga every year ang daming draftees na pumapasok. So you always have to improve."
Melecio was taken in no. 19th overall by Phoenix during the last PBA draft.
He has since agreed in principle to the contract offer made by the Fuel Masters management for the coming 46th season of the league.
Torres, 31, added the young guard should start working out and prepare for the season-opening Philippine Cup while all teams are still on a standby for the go-signal for scrimmages to finally get going.
"You have to find ways to stay in shape and stay focused kasi that opportunity, you don't get it very often," said the Rain or Shine big man. "So you have to be always prepared when coach calls your number na you're ready to perform to the best of your ability."
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Montalbo agrees with both Teng and Torres, being the youngest of the three former La Salle stalwarts with experience in the league.
"As a second year player, stay ready all the time. You never know kailan yung opportunity na ibibigay sa iyo. So it's better be ready at all times," stressed the sophomore TNT Tropang Giga guard. (RG)
