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| Allyn Bulanadi kept a positive outlook despite missing the final cut for Gilas Men. MPBL (file photo) |
By Ivan Saldajeno
PASIG--Coach Mark Dickel admitted on Wednesday night that it was tough not to include Allyn Bulanadi in the Gilas Pilipinas Men lineup for their FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers game against Indonesia on Sunday night considering how Dickel thought Bulanadi fared during the practices.
[Related Story: Mark Dickel explains 'young' Gilas Men lineup against Indonesia]
But eventually, Dickel decided to bank on the veteran smarts of CJ Perez and RR Pogoy for the shooting guard spot.
[Related Story: Ravena Brothers set for reunion as they make Gilas Men team vs. Indonesia in FIBA ACQ]
Despite missing the cut, however, Bulanadi is still trusting Dickel for his decision.
"Mas kailangan nila yung ganung lineup ngayon kasi syempre kailangan nating manalo. Kailangan malalakas yung mga nandoon ngayon," the Basilan Steel star said on Thursday night at the Meralco Gym after what would be Gilas Men's last practice before flying to Jakarta.
He then added that being with the national team pool alone sufficed for him for his growth in basketball.
"Malaking tulong sa akin ito sa madadala ko bawat game. Kumbaga, nakaka-boost up siya ng morale sa akin," Bulanadi further said.
Now, his focus will shift to Basilan's campaign in the MPBL Playoffs. His team is leading its best-of-three first round series against Iloilo following an 83-68 Game 1 win on Wednesday night.
The Steel will go for the kill as the series shifts to their home in Lamitan, and Bulanadi himself confirmed that he will join them in Game 2.
"Maglalaro ako sa Monday," he quipped.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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