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| Aljon Mariano poses with the fans during Ginebra's grand fans day. Ivan Saldajeno |
By Ivan Saldajeno
SAN JUAN, MM—Three years ago, Aljon Mariano played through a sprained ankle in Game 3 of the UAAP finals.
However, despite his struggles, he opted for a pull-up triple at the final buzzer of the regulation period that he missed, and it cost UST the championship as La Salle took over in overtime to grab all the marbles.
Mariano became subject to bashing from his fellow Thomasians and trolling from other UAAP fans afterward.
Fast forward to today. When Ginebra made the PBA Governors' Cup finals, the online trolls once again brought up that infamous off night by Mariano.
But asked by Dugout Philippines, Mariano insisted that he has already moved on.
"Wala na iyon," Mariano simply said.
This time around, no botched moments from Mariano or from another Gin King happened in the end as Justin Brownlee's buzzer-beating three clinched the title for the Barangay on Wednesday.
"I can't explain this feeling. Sobrang overwhelming," Mariano said his feelings about winning the championship.
Mariano joined his fellow Gin Kings and their fans in celebrating their successful conquest in a grand fans day at the FilOil Flying V Centre on Sunday.
What did he realize regarding his heartbreaks in UST and his newfound success in Ginebra?
He answered, "I am bound for greater things. God has a plan for me. I stayed on the right path. Pinaghirapan ko talaga [ang championship ko with Ginebra."
His tip for those who are being bashed: "Don't mind [the bashers]."
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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