Ababou earns confidence back after solid debut

MANILA, Philippines – Dylan Ababou faced uncertainty before Sunday’s opening of the new PBA season.

After all, he’s just coming off an ACL injury and almost got traded amidst Brgy. Ginebra’s massive rebuilding during the off-season.

“Sa ngayon, pang-huli ako sa rotation sa (small forward) spot ko with Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael at si James Forrester binibigyan ng minutes para makapag-adjust sa team,” said Ababou after one of their team practices prior to Sunday’s game against the Governors’ Cup San Mig Coffee Mixers.

“Siyempre, kailangan ko rin ng playing time to get my rhythm back. Pero naiintindihan ko. Parang back to zero ulit ako, kailangan ko ulit i-earn ang trust ng coaching staff.”

Lost in the shuffle, Ababou agonizingly watched the Kings fall to as many as 12-point deficit to the Mixers in the early moments of the third quarter.

Looking for a spark that Mark Caguioa failed to provide against the team that seemed to be his kryptonite, Ginebra coach Ato Agustin went to the deep end of his bench.

And Ababou did not let the opportunity slip away and immediately announced that he’s back.

The 26-year old forward sparked a 22-7 run as the Kings finally got the upper hand, 58-55, entering the final quarter.

Ababou, a former UAAP MVP, scored seven in that dizzying run then pumped in nine more in the fourth quarter to help the Kings overcome a sluggish start.

“Kailangang-kailangan ko talaga ‘tong game na ‘to para sa confidence ko at ma-earn ulit ang trust ng management at ng coaching staff. Kaya thankful ako na naging maganda ang resulta,” Ababou told Philstar.com after the Kings’ 86-69 rout of the Mixers last Sunday.

Ababou scored 16 points in only 17 minutes hitting 6-of-9 from the floor spiked by three triples while adding three rebounds, an assist and a steal.

Known as a player’s coach and for his feel for the game even back to his days at Petron, Agustin has managed to bring Ababou’s confidence back.

“Nakita ko nag-i-struggle yung iba kaya binigyan ko ng chance si Dylan at kita naman natin na nag-step up si Dylan. Despite coming off an injury, he still gives his 100 percent. Kita mo hindi naghe-hesitate,” Agustin told Philstar.com.

LA Tenorio, who connected the bulk of his 10 assists to Ababou hopes that he can build around this performance. 

"Matagal na dapat na ganito si Dylan eh, na-i-injury lang. I'm happy for him. Sana magtuloy-tuloy na para lalong lumalim ang bench namin," Tenorio said. 

Before Sunday, Ababou was just happy to step into the court again and play the game that he loves.

“Masayang-masaya ako nung nakahawak ulit ako ng bola at nakakalaro. Ito na ang buhay ko eh. Ang basketball court ang refuge ko tuwing may problema ako,” said Ababou, who was hoping for a shot at redemption.

And on Sunday night, right before the eyes of 20,298 fans at the Big Dome and millions more outside, Ababou erased all uncertainties.