They know their anime, except for one.
The TNT Tropang Giga arrived in Tokyo, Japan on Monday for the East Asia Super League (EASL) home-and-away tournament. While at the airport, several players of the nine-time PBA champion franchise showcased their knowledge of Japanese culture.
Particularly, they talked about one of Japan’s most important contributions to the rest of the world aside from instant ramen. Anime, of course.
In a video posted by the EASL on Instagram, the Tropang Giga answered a very important, extremely profound question: Who’s your favorite anime character?
Import Quincy Miller, who will team up with Manila-loving Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, is a Pokemon diehard. So much so, that he had Pokemon lead guy Ash Ketchum tattooed on his leg.
Glenn Khobuntin said he's into Jujutsu Kaisen (JJK), and just like most fans, the NU Bulldogs product is a huge admirer of Satoru Gojo—the strongest and coolest sorcerer in the JJK universe. Khobuntin might have a little Gojo in him, considering he’s got that staying power in the league, being an eight-year veteran and all.
Paul Varilla went with a classic.
“Goku, man. He just stands up for justice and what’s right. And he’s always fighting for his loved ones,” he said.
Thank you, Paul, for that Ms. Universe-like answer.
Rookie big man Henry Galinato surprisingly went with an oldie from the Dragon Ball Z series as well. His reasoning was a little petty, though.
“Vegeta because everybody loves Goku, man. He’s just cool and better-looking,” the former UP Fighting Maroon explained.
“You look like a Vegeta,” Varilla jokingly told Galinato.
TNT bruiser Carl Bryan Cruz separated himself from the rest of the pack with his revelation.
“Sailor Moon. Kasi noong bata ako, paborito ng ate ko ‘yun kaya napapanood ko rin," Cruz said, perhaps jokingly.
OK, Carl, whatever you say.
Rounding out the interview, Jaydee Tungcab said he's a Slam Dunk and Hanamichi Sakuragi fanatic, Ryan Reyes initially picked Mickey Mouse but eventually went with Son Goku, while Matt Ganuelas-Rosser professed his affinity for Naruto.
Oh, we almost forgot. The odd man out was point guard Kib Montalbo.
“I really don’t know anything, promise,” admitted Montalbo with an embarrassed look.
On Wednesday, the Tropang Giga will shift to serious mode as they take on Japanese club Chiba Jets for their first game in the eight-team EASL.
(PM)