After UAAP 'burnout', Henry Galinato now with renewed passion for basketball ahead of PBA debut

Henry Galinato almost quit basketball but now is ready for PBA action. PBA Images (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--It may have just been a one-and-done stint with the University of the Philippines, but Henry Galinato felt so tired from the UAAP grind that he thought he was also losing his passion for basketball.

The hulking center admitted on Tuesday that he felt burned out from the past UAAP season and that he felt it was time to move on from the sport.

"Honestly, after the UAAP season, I just felt burnt out. I think just me being burnt out actually just made me wanna decide I wanted to quit," Galinato said during the PBA Media Day at One Esplanade, adding that the decision came on the fly.

TNT interim coach Jojo Lastimosa then bared that Galinato was embarking on a new career as a teacher back in the United States, something the six-foot-seven big man confirmed.

"I just love working with kids. They made a big difference in my life," Galinato explained.

However, after touching a basketball once more, a change of heart followed, and now he is back as an athlete.

"A few months down the line, I picked up a basketball again, so I had a shootaround again with my friends. It was fun again, so I gave it a try again," Galinato further said.

Fast forward to today, he was drafted to the PBA, although he ended up with TNT following a draft day trade with Rain Or Shine, who selected him 15th overall.

While he is not yet in the game shape that he was last year, Galinato said that he is currently enjoying the Tropang Giga practices especially since they are currently in a bubble at the Inspire Sports Academy in Calamba City.

"Working for coach Jolas in practice is very fun to be with and it's just exciting. I'm excited to see what I can do," Galinato continued.

According to Lastimosa, TNT is working to make Galinato fit enough to play against Magnolia in the PBA season opener on Nov. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

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