A lot of Star Hotshots fans expressed shocked after their team parted ways with gunner Allein Maliksi in a four-player trade with the Blackwater Elite.
But by letting go of Maliksi, Star netted an underrated player in Bambam Gamalinda who had been solid for the Elite before the trade.
The seven-year veteran is having one of his best seasons. In nine games with Blackwater, he averaged 7.2 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.
The 6’4″ swingman, also known for providing solid defense, is also shooting the lights out, making 53 percent of his triples and registering the same percentage from the field.
Gamalinda said he’s looking forward to helping his new squad.
“I’m excited to help out sa new team ko. Maybe mayroon silang nakita sa laro ko na puwede kong ma-contribute,” he said.
“At first hindi ako makapaniwala (sa trade), pero dahil ganyan naman talaga ang buhay ng PBA player, natanggap ko rin agad.”
The former San Beda player said that after attending two practice sessions with Star, he realized how dedicated his new team is on defense.
“Nakita ko kung paano nila i-run yung defensive plays. Hindi lang sa individual defense sila naka-focus but also on how they could help their teammates on the defensive schemes. Maganda yung communication nila,” Gamalinda said.
Apart from Gamalinda, Star also nabbed center Kyle Pascual in the trade first reported by InterAksyon over the weekend. The Hotshots in return gave up Maliksi and Chris Javier.
With its new players, the Hotshots are hoping to make a splash in the Oppo PBA Governors’ Cup. They currently sport a 4-3 card and are on a three-game slump.
