Tolomia feels strange facing former teammate Belo
Prized rookie Mike Tolomia admitted that it felt weird seeing former college and co-Gilas Pilipinas cadet Mac Belo on the opposing end of the court when Rain or Shine and Blackwater clashed in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday.
The two starred in Far Eastern University’s unexpected run to UAAP Season 77 title that ended a 10-year drought for the Tamaraws. The former FEU standouts also played together for the national team in several international tourneys.
But in the battle of league-leaders Elasto Painters and Elite, Tolomia and Belo saw each other donning different colors.
“Nakakapanibago. Syempre sanay ako na teammate ko sya,” Tolomia said.
Tolomia was lucky to find himself on the right side of a blowout, with his team Rain or Shine handing Belo’s Blackwater a rude 107-93 beating.
The 5-foot-11 guard, who is poised to take the reins left by Paul Lee, added that he and Belo struck a conversation before the game.
“Sabi nya lang na malakas na raw ang team namin.” But the former D-League MVP was quick to downplay the praise, saying that “sinabihan ko rin siya na kaya naman (nila) dahil pantay-pantay naman lahat ng teams.”
However, with the victory, RoS gained the upperhand over Blackwater as the E-Painters improved to 3-1 while the Elite fell to 2-2.
Seeing the stellar showing of Belo in the pro ranks, Tolomia gave a little advice to his former teammate.
“Ipagpatuloy nya lang yung ginagawa nya. Tingin ko maganda ang future nya.” Jeremiah Sevilla
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