Tolentino all too willing to suit up for Gilas again
MACAU—Right now, Arvin Tolentino’s focus is solely on the Seoul SK Knights, whom he can help gain East Asia Super League (EASL) glory with the squad on track to make a deep playoff run.
But that doesn’t mean that the former PBA star with NorthPort is closing doors. He’s particularly not shutting down the possibility of wearing the Gilas Pilipinas jersey again.
“If I’m able, why not?” Tolentino told select reporters during his stay here for the EASL postseason. “I’ll be ready. It’s an honor and a dream of mine to play for the national team.”
Tolentino has already worn the Gilas kit twice, and on both occasions, he found golden glory in representing his motherland, with the first coming in the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, then in the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia the following year.
He can be considered a lucky charm for the squad, which, as usual, is littered by PBA stars and standouts also playing in the Japanese and Korean pro leagues, like Dwight Ramos and Kevin Quiambao.
Laser focus
Right now, Tolentino said that his focus cannot be taken away from the SK Knights, but he would readily answer the phone whenever a call to represent flag and country ever comes again.
He is, for the meantime, committed to being a cheerleader from thousands of miles away.
“Whoever’s playing, for sure, will give their hundred percent even if we’re bashed at times,” he said. “I’m sure they’d give their 100-percent and they have my full support.”
Incidentally, Tolentino is the only Filipino left standing in the EASL derby, and he looks to keep it that way as the Knights take on the Taoyuan Pilots in the quarterfinals.
Meanwhile, the Meralco Bolts, who bowed out of EASL contention a few weeks back, tangle with Converge as the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations resumes at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The game is set at 7:30 p.m., just after surprising Terrafirma shoots for a third straight win when the Dyip take on Blackwater at 5:15 p.m.
