Fit-again Allein Maliksi looks to reinvent his game to help Meralco win another PBA title

After a dreadful year recovering from two injuries, Meralco gunner Allein Maliksi is itching to return to the PBA floor again.

Sidelined by a knee injury and sciatica, Maliksi spent most of PBA Season 49 doing rehab and settled for a cheerleader role for the Bolts.

“I’m just really happy to be back, excited to play with my teammates again,” he told a handful of reporters during the PBA Media Day on Friday, Sept. 26. 

“I’m just excited na makalaro after one year. It’s really depressing nung time na injured ako, parang gustong-gusto ko makalaro pero wala aong choice kundi magpalakas at magpagaling.”

[RELATED STORY: Meralco gunner Allein Maliksi out for PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup]

Now that he’s getting to tip top form again, the former University of Santo Tomas gunner is working towards regaining his deadly offensive form that proved instrumental in the Bolts’ PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup conquest.

But given his age and conditioning, the 38-year-old is aware he needs to tweak his game a little bit.

“(Expecting na) hopefully, the same Allein Maliksi when we last won the championship during the All-Filipino,” he said.

“At the same time more efficient and help my team to get another shot at the championship for Meralco.”

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While he’s still not there, it will only take a while before Maliksi gets his mojos back as he rejoined the team’s scrimmages two months ago.

“Still adjusting to the games and sa training namin, sa system namin na maka-adapt ako as soon as possible para less mistakes sa system na gusto namin gawin,” he said.

“(Dapat) maging more efficient ako in terms of offense and defense, 'yung mga adjustment na pinag-aaralan ko especially at this point of my career. Sabi nga sakin nila coach, ‘Be efficient sa time na ibibigay namin sa'yo.’ Yun nagiging focus ko right now.”

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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.

He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.