Tim Cone and the rest of Ginebra part ways with Maverick Ahanmisi, whom the team shipped to Terrafirma, alongside Aljon Mariano in the early goings of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
Maverick Ahanmisi gave each member of Ginebra a dap as they made their way to the dugout at the end of their 92-77 win over TNT in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup Wednesday, Oct. 15.
The scene was heartwarming, knowing the Gin Kings shipped Ahanmisi to Terrafirma along with Aljon Mariano for the Dyip's Season 51 first-round pick.
It was an exit Ahanmisi himself requested.
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Asked about it, Ginebra coach Tim Cone said he would rather talk about the game that allowed his charges to improve to 1-1.
But Cone went on to say he understood why it all led to that situation.
“It was a situation where a veteran player like Maverick — he's in the prime of his career — he wasn't satisfied backing up Scottie and RJ. And so he requested a trade,” Cone told reporters during the post-game press conference.
“We don't want hostages on our basketball team. We want volunteers. We're not going to hold anybody back if they want to move.”
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Maverick Ahanmisi, an elite player
The 25-time PBA champion coach believes Ahanmisi, whom he described as a professional through and through, is in the best possible position now as he joins his younger brother Jerrick at Terrafirma.
“We talked to various teams before settling in with Terrafirma. But the best thing about Mav was that he was so incredibly professional through the whole process,” Cone said.
“He's an elite player. He has been everywhere he has gone: whether it's been Rain or Shine, Blackwater, Converge or us, he's been an elite player. And he will continue to be. And at the end, he said he was happy being with Terrafirma because he's going to be able to join his brother.
“We have two Ahanmisis playing over there. It should be really fun to watch.”
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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.