Jerrick Balanza after trade to Magnolia from Converge: 'No time magmukmok'

Jerrick Balanza didn't have time for grief upon learning of his move to Magnolia from Converge. 

After being traded three times since being selected by Ginebra in the 2019 PBA Draft, Balanza kind of got used to being a journeyman early in his career.

"Professionalism lang pinairal ko. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, no time magmukmok," he said.

What matters is he still gets to play ball, now for the Hotshots no less. 

"Dapat laban lang nang laban. ‘Yun naman buhay basketball e. Importante nakakapag-basketball pa rin ako ngayon," said Balanza, who also played for NorthPort before being shipped to Converge.

Magnolia coach Chito Victolero seemed pleased with how his new recruit fared in the team's 107-93 win over Phoenix in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Sunday, April 14. 

“’Yung kanyang offensive reads, malaking bagay samin yun para makaikot kaming tao," Victolero said after the match at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

While he looked comfortable in Magnolia threads on the court, Balanza said he is still trying to get a full grasp of the system. 

"Hindi pa naman massabi na sobrang fit di ba, pero at least nakita ko game, alam ko ano adjustment gagawin ko kasi bilang basketball player iba talaga practice pag dating ng game talaga," said the former Lettan Knight, who scored two points in almost 15 minutes of action.

"Adjust lang talaga ako. Adjust muna ako ngayon tapos tignan ko next game kung anong mangyayari." 

Fortunately for him, veterans Mark Barroca and Paul Lee help him ease into the team. which went over .500 with a 3-2 win-loss record following the victory. 

"Sobrang okay naman ako [nung unang practice]. Hindi na sila bago sakin eh, nakakalaban ko na sila for how many years," he said.

"Beterano sila, maayos sila mag approach sa mga players. Ako bata ako, kakarating ko lang dito. Maayos appraoch nila tulad nila kuya Paul, kuya Mark na gina-guide nila sa mga plays willing to learn naman ako eh. Naging okay naman ako,” Balanza added.