By Waylon Galvez
The experience of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel rookie Jerrick Balanza during his days with the Letran Knights particularly after his brain surgery heading to his final year with the Intramuros-based school has taught him so many lessons.
One of them is to be patient.
Small wonder he has remained positive despite the so many deaths – not to mention those getting sick physically and mentally – across the world due to coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
“Actually mas matagal pa yung ngayon kesa nung natigil ako sa paglalaro before, kasi noon four months lang then nakabalik na ako sa paglalaro for Letran,” said Balanza on Friday.
“So in a way, malaking tulong yung naging experience ko noon sa kung anong nangyayari sa atin ngayon na tigil sa ensayo, tigil sa laro. Tiis muna tayo for now,” added Balanza.
It was September 7, 2018 – or a day after his birthday – when Balanza had undergone brain surgery to remove a tumor, forcing him to miss the remainder of the season.
The following year, the sweet-shooting forward came back stronger as he led Letran’s title campaign with a victory against arch-nemesis San Beda University in a thrilling three-game showdown.
Balanza’s efforts – especially his character and discipline – didn’t go unnoticed particularly for Ginebra coach Tim Cone, who took him in the second round as the 13th overall pick in the 2019 PBA Rookie Draft.
Prior to the community quarantine due to the coronavirus outbreak last March, Balanza has been practicing well with Ginebra and has earned positive feedback from teammates LA Tenorio and Mark Caguioa.
Balanza signed a one-year deal with the Kings and was ready to play when the league opened its 45th Season with the Philippine Cup but was cancelled by PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
The 6-foot-1 Balanza said he is prepared once the PBA resumes the practice session of teams.
“Ako naman positive pa din naman ako maski na ganito yung nangyari. Ang ginagawa ko lang ready lang ako palagi para anytime na sabihin na balik na kami maski na ensayo lang muna, ready ako,” said Balanza.
