They’re buddies now but that wasn’t always the case.
Mac Cardona can flat out ball. From his UAAP days to his stint in the PBA, the defense, more often than not, was at a disadvantage when the crafty swingman had the ball. His patented hook shot was just that good.
The only thing that really slowed him down were the controversies that hounded him off the court. Nowadays, as a member of PBA Moto Club—a circle consisting of retired PBA players—Captain Hook is doing a lot better.
Playing for the Imus SV Squad in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) at age 41, Cardona is still able to show out and punish the defense using his signature offensive package. Aside from suiting up in the regional league, the 2008 PBA scoring champ can also be seen tearing it up in exhibition games alongside fellow PBA Moto Club members and Imus SV teammates such as Jayjay Helterbrand, Marc Pingris, and Rico Maierhofer (Imus SV assistant coach).
In an interview during one of their exhibition matches, Cardona revealed his true feelings about doing special events with his new crew in different parts of the country.
“Siyempre natutuwa ako kasi parang bumabalik sa’kin ‘yung dati, All-Star Game ng PBA,” the legendary scorer said in the dugout.
“Gano’n ‘yung pakiramdam ko ngayon. [Grabe] ‘yung pagmamahal nila sa atin.”
Aside from the fans’ appreciation, another thing that the five-time PBA All-Star cherishes about the PBA Moto Club and its endeavors is the fact that he and his former rivals are now on the same side.
“Natutuwa ako [dahil] kakampi ko na ‘yung mga dati kong kalaban,” the former De La Salle Green Archer explained.
Egged on to elaborate, the 2001 UAAP champion, without flinching. divulged why he’s glad to play with Pingris this time unlike back in the pros.
“’Eto, lagi ako tinitira niyan,” Cardona said in jest while pointing at Ping who was sitting in a corner.