‘Martilyo’ boys deliver for SMB

MANILA, Philippines — San Miguel Beer reserve Don Trollano isn’t backing down from his job of coming off the bench to provide instant offense and tough defense. In his first conference with the Beermen since his trade from NLEX, Trollano is enjoying the moment as a key figure in what he calls the “Martilyo” boys, the second unit players whom Coach Jorge Gallent is leaning on in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against Magnolia.

“Kami mga Martilyo boys, ‘yung pumupukpok kapag pinasok ni coach,” said Trollano. The shock troopers are counted on to provide continuity, energy and intensity off the bench. “Blessing in disguise ang nangyari sa akin,” the seven-year pro added. “Kung ‘di ako na-trade, bakasyon na ako ngayon.”

Trollano, 32, joined San Miguel last December in a three-team trade. Since his first game with the Beermen, the team has won 10 in a row. He started in his first five games then beginning the playoffs, has come off the bench. Trollano said he was warmly welcomed in the San Miguel camp. Coincidentally, Trollano’s coach at Adamson was Leo Austria and his teammates included Jericho Cruz and Rodney Brondial. Now, they’re reunited at San Miguel.

Trollano’s only championship came as a PBA rookie with Rain or Shine in the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup and Cruz was a teammate. Cruz has since picked up another title with San Miguel in the Philippine Cup last season.

In the recent semis series against Barangay Ginebra, San Miguel’s bench averaged 21.7 points with Trollano, Cruz, Jeron Teng, Mo Tautuaa, Brondial and Simon Enciso playing the role of “Martilyo” boys. In the Finals, Terrence Romeo has joined the cast to make it even more formidable. In San Miguel’s 103-95 win over Magnolia in Game One last Friday, Trollano, Cruz, Teng and Romeo combined for 27 points.