By MARK REY MONTEJO
Since his rookie year at University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 84, Gerry Abadiano has been known for his strong work ethic as he embraced is every role with diligence – not to mention the courage he displayed to navigate the challenges.
The 24-year-old Abadiano’s willingness to adapt to the system and make way for his teammates to shine has made him a valuable asset for the Fighting Maroons.
Little wonder, the 5-foot-11 Abadiano was instrumental in UP’s two championships the past four years.
If he can sustain his brilliance in Game 3, Abadiano, along with four other members of Maroon Five — Harold Alarcon, Reyland Torres, Janjan Felicilda, and Terrence Fortea – would end his collegiate career in a blaze of glory.
That will be the extra motivation for other UP players to rise and deliver as they try give their graduating teammates a fitting send-off.
And that moment will come on Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum when the Maroons and the La Salle Archers clash for the last time for the ultimate prize.
.
Abadiano emerged the biggest hero in the team’s 66-63 win in Game 2 after scoring six of his 17 points in the fourth quarter highlighted by a jumpshot that gave UP a 65-62 edge.
It was a redemption of sorts for Abadiano after being held to just 8 points in the team’s 74-70 defeat in the opener of their best-of-three series.
But his Game 2 heroics would amount to nothing if they can’t win the deciding game before an expected massive crowd.
“Sakin kung ano lang ‘yong bibigay ng depensa kukunin kol ang, siguro mas gutom lang kami manalo ngayong Game 2 kasi ‘yon nga talo kami no’ng Game 1,” said Abadiano.
“Syempre last year namin, personally, last year ko, ayoko naman na sa last year ko hindi ko bibigay ‘yong pinaka-best ko, ‘yong best namin,” he added.
Apart from their mission of giving the “Maroon Five” a grand exit, UP is looking to win its first back-to-back titles in league history.
