SMB improved to 5-3 with the win.
Ivan Aska knew he was on the way out. He could've just mailed it in as the San Miguel Beermen took on the TNT Tropang Giga.
And yet he gave it all he got.
Aska left it all on the court, turning in a spectacular all-around effort of 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in San Miguel's 98-93 win over TNT in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday.
As much as he'd like to stay, there are just things that are out of his control.
“I just came to do my job, but at the end of the day, I only control what I can control. The rest is out of my control,” said Aska, who was also SMB’s last-minute replacement entering the conference.
Still, the outgoing import, who will be replaced by Bennie Boatwright, had nothing but love for the entire San Miguel organization.
“I love the staff, the coaches, my teammates. Ever since I came in, I felt welcomed,” he said when asked about the experience.
He also made special mention of SMB leader Chris Ross.
“I want to give a big shotout to Chris ‘cause he (was) the one that made me feel comfortable. He helped me out a lot,” he said.
SMB coach Jorge Gallent appreciated the kind words and admired Aska's professionalism, as evidenced in him giving his “110%” effort on the floor in his last outing.
“He played his heart out. He didn’t even give his 100 percent, he gave his 110 percent. He just wants to go out with a bang, so he did a great job today,” he said.
“It hurts. But as I said, Ivan is professional. He understood it. I give him all the respect that I can give a man,” Gallent added.
With him in tow, the Beermen were able to register a 5-3 win-loss slate, even with main man June Mar Fajardo missing several games already due to injury. Now, the team will look forward to winning more with a new reinforcement.
(MDB)