Vosotros waits for a call

MANILA, Philippines — Former Blackwater guard Almond Vosotros is in what he calls a “complicated” situation because unlike his former Gilas cadet teammates who’re now employed in the PBA, the 5-7 sharpshooter has no contract to play wherever. But Vosotros said yesterday he hopes to prove himself worthy to return to the PBA if given the chance.

Vosotros, 27, was Blackwater’s second round pick in the 2015 PBA draft. He played 13 games as a rookie, averaging 1.4 points and 7.8 minutes then signed a full-time contract with Gilas. “I had a year and two months left in my Blackwater contract but Gilas offered me a chance to play for the national team with guys like Kevin (Ferrer), Jio (Jalalon), Russel (Escoto), RR (Pogoy) and Mac (Belo) in the cadets program,” he said in Pilipino. “My playing time with Blackwater was limited so they let me go. I signed a two-year contract with Gilas.”

Vosotros said playing for Gilas was an unforgettable experience. “I played on our national team that won the gold medal at the 2015 and 2017 Southeast Asian Games,” he said. “Anytime you play for your country, it’s a blessing. I was also on the national team that won the gold at the 2015 SEABA Championships and 2016 SEABA Cup.” This year, Vosotros saw action at the SEA Games, Jones Cup and FIBA Asia Champions Cup. He hit 14 points, including 4-of-7 triples, in Gilas’ 101-70 win over India at the Jones Cup and also delivered 14 points in Chooks To Go’s 92-57 decision over Dubai at the FIBA Asia Champions Cup. When not training with Gilas, Vosotros was booked as a practice player with TNT KaTropa.

Now that the Gilas cadet program has ended, Vosotros is without a team. His agent Danny Espiritu is working out a new contract. Vosotros said he can’t wait to play again. “I owe a lot to Gilas because I’ve matured with the international experience,” he said. “My decision-making and outside shooting have improved. I’ve polished my game. I’ve learned not to take forced or hurried shots. I may be small but I make up for it with my quickness, smartness and perimeter shooting. I’ve played against foreign pros and I think I was able to hold my own. Whether it’s the triangle, dribble drive or motion or whatever offense, I can easily adjust. I can play one or two guard. I’m ready to go back to the PBA.”

Vosotros said if his way back to the PBA will mean playing in the ABL or the PBA D-League, he’s open to it. “Even if I don’t have a team right now, I train everyday in Valenzuela where I live,” he said. “I’m staying in shape so when I get a call, I’m ready to go.”

Vosotros said he’s not ashamed to admit he needs a job. “My wife Princess and I have a seven-month-old baby girl Kaitlyn,” he said. “I haven’t received a salary since last August. My parents rely on me. I was lucky to play with Chooks last September so I continued to receive an allowance. But Christmas is coming and I’m using up what’s left of my savings. To be honest, I’m willing to play for any team. I have a lot of family expenses, especially now that we have a baby. I’m the only one taking care of my parents.”

Vosotros’ playing career is steeped with championship tradition. He saw action on the San Sebastian teams that won four straight NCAA juniors crowns from 2005 to 2008 and the La Salle squad that took the UAAP seniors title in 2013. Vosotros was a star with Cebuana Lhuillier in the PBA D-League in 2014 before turning pro with Blackwater.