Don Trollano shrugs off ‘closer’ tag after delivering another dagger

Don Trollano proved yet again how reliable he could be in the clutch after helping San Miguel pull off a great escape against Ginebra on Easter Sunday.

Starring in their own tale of resurrection, the seasoned winger nailed a booming trey from the corner with 8.3 seconds left to break the 82-all knot, and ultimately enable the Beermen to complete the comeback from as much as 15 down.

“Kumpiyansa lang, tsaka open kasi eh,” he reflected on his game-winning moment moments after their 85-82 victory at the SMART Araneta Coliseum–their second in a row in the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup.

Trollano was understandably pumped up right after knocking down that big of a shot, although delivering down the stretch is actually no longer new to him.

Following another heroic act, fans and observers alike were reminded of his past exploits in dire situations, the most recent of which was during the Season 50 Philippine Cup elimination round against Magnolia last November 7.

(C) PBA Images

There, the Adamson product sank a four to put themselves in the lead for good with 53.5 seconds left before walking away with the 94-92 decision.

It’s becoming clear that he’s being leaned on by Coach Leo Austria as one of the traditional powerhouses’ closers, although Trollano refused to concur.

“Hindi, hindi. Nagkataon lang ‘yung opportunity,” he said sheepishly.

“Medyo iniwan ako e, so wala na rin akong ibang gagawin kasi shot clock na rin eh.”

The 34-year-old even deflected the credit to teammate CJ Perez, who found him open on the corner and didn’t hesitate to dish it out to him for the win.

“Nakakataas ng kumpiyansa ‘pag ganun eh, pag nagtitiwala sa’yo ang teammate mo. CJ’s an unselfish player, nakita niya ‘kong open, pinasa niya sa akin,” he said.

“Nung nag-help sila kay CJ doon, nag-help si Troy, so naiwan akong open.”

But there should be no denying that Trollano is growing comfortable with such a role, given the kind of results he’s been making–much to SMB’s delight.

“Siguro,” said the 11-year pro.

“Akala ko nga papalitan ako kasi usually, si Marcio (Lassiter) ‘yung tumatapos e. Siguro, tiwala lang din si Coach Leo.”

The post Don Trollano shrugs off ‘closer’ tag after delivering another dagger appeared first on Tiebreaker Times.