LA Revilla spent the final minutes of his second practice with the Phoenix Fuel Masters in high spirits, shooting free throws alongside rookie and fellow La Salle alumnus Jason Perkins before sharing a light moment with incoming sophomore Matthew Wright.
Revilla seems to be feeling right at home with the Fuel Masters after being acquired from the Kia Picanto in a trade triggered by his controversial tweet that is turning to be a blessing in disguise.
“Happy ako,” Revilla told the Bulletin-Tempo shortly after Phoenix’s practice session at the Upper Deck Sports Center yesterday. “Obviously it’s a new environment, new scenery, new group of people, and I’m happy to be part of this team and excited for this season.”
The 5-foot-7 guard will have the luxury of having to play alongside Wright, Perkins, RJ Jazul and Jeff Chan, a collection of talent that deprived him during Kia’s underachieving campaign last season.
The Picanto won just six of 33 games, including a winless record in the Governors’ Cup, securing them the No. 1 pick in the draft. But management decided to send the selection to the San Miguel Beermen in a controversial trade that made Revilla reach the boiling point.
“Kung magpapalusot man lang sana ginandahan niyo na ang rason. Hindi talaga eh. Bagsak kayo sigurado kung may lie detector,” Revilla tweeted shortly after Kia explained its unconventional decision to deal the pick that eventually became Christian Standhardinger.
Though Revilla later deleted the post, Kia officials were obviously disappointed and placed him on a trading block.
Two days ago, the Picanto and the Fuel Masters reached an accord to send Revilla in exchange for rookie Jayson Grimaldo and a 2018 second round pick.
“Hindi ko naman sila masisisi na ganun yung reaction nila and naramdaman nila. Pero ako rin naman, even if nandoon ako sa position nila, I mean, totoo pero mahirap tanggapin. Sabi nga nila kung ano yung totoo, masakit,” Revilla said.
“It’s part of growing up, especially on my young career, kahit papaano dapat matuto ako dun and just move on,” added Revilla, who actually got his big break at Kia following a forgettable rookie season with GlobalPort in 2014.
“Thankful ako na nabigyan ako ng break, yun naman kailangan ng player is yung chance. They gave it to me and I maximized it. And in return, I gave my best, I gave my all naman when I was there so I think it’s a give and take.
“Kahit saan naman ako mapunta, if the team wants to win and wants to give its best for both parties not just for the players but also for the team’s sake para magsucceed, then that’s the best opportunity for everyone to grow and to have a successful career.”