MAVERICK Ahanmisi was not meant to go back to active service Barangay Ginebra up until the PBA Philippine Cup playoffs.
However, Coach Tim Cone provided the seasoned guard a chance to prove if he was truly ready for competition right when the Kings were concluding their season. A convincing 97-78 victory against the TNT Tropang 5G on Sunday night.
SCENARIOS: TNT might require a Ginebra 'boost' to secure the twice-to-beat advantage.
Ahanmisi had not taken part in games for over a month because of what Cone mentioned as a sprained ACL and was anticipated to come back during the playoff season.
A chance emerged during the TNT match since the Kings dominated from the start, leading extensively. Consequently, with just 4 minutes and 39 seconds left on the clock and their team comfortably ahead, the Ginebra coach spoke to Ahanmisi. 90-65.
I actually had no plans to involve him in playing at all. However, as the match concluded, I approached him and mentioned, 'If you're considering running, try pushing yourself for a short period and assess your condition before getting prepared for the subsequent game.'
PHOTO: Mark Cristino
Thus, the 33-year-old Filipino-American guard replaced Stephen Holt and concluded the match with one rebound and two assists, although he failed to make his only attempted shot during the evening.
"He went out there and played the final three or four minutes of the match just to get some practice and regain his sense of the game’s pace," stated Cone.
It marked Ahanmisi's return to play after scoring seven points, grabbing four rebounds, and dishing out three assists as the Kings trounced Northport 131-106 on April 30.
He subsequently sat out for six more Ginebra games because of his injured knee until Coach Cone chose to gradually reintroduce him towards the end of the elimination round.
The idea wasn't to involve him, as he was available. However, we didn't believe he possessed what it takes," stated the doubles Grand Slam champion. "Actually, he only began training intensively a few days back, just two days ago. He has indeed been away from action for quite some time now.
Ahanmisi is anticipated to participate and possibly log more playing time for Ginebra in their last elimination round match against Rain or Shine this Sunday prior to the commencement of the playoffs next week.