Maverick Ahanmisi is enjoying a banner year following his move to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the Philippine Basketball Association.
The Filipino-American playmaker was facing uncertainty prior the start of the league’s 47th season.
He was coming from a breakout year in which he averaged a career-high 19.9 points on 40 percent shooting with 6.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game during the previous Governors’ Cup.
But he got a call from the Kings, prompting him to roll the dice just to join the country’s most popular professional team handled by the league’s winningest coach in Tim Cone.
The gamble paid off as Ahanmisi was able to fit in perfectly into Ginebra’s powerhouse roster that already has former Most Valuable Player Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Jamie Malonzo, LA Tenorio and Christian Standhardinger.
“I appreciate the awards and the things I got along the way, but I tasted a championship before and nothing beats the feeling of getting to the top of the mountain,” Ahanmisi, who was named as Most Improved Player prior to his transfer to Ginebra, said.
“But 2023 has been a great year to me all in all.”
Ahanmisi’s first — and only — title in the PBA came while playing for Yeng Guiao and Rain or Shine in the Commissioner’s Cup in 2016.
That’s why when the Kings came knocking, Ahanmisi immediately grabbed the opportunity, knowing that they have what it takes to help him end his seven-year title drought.
“It’s a blessing,” Ahanmisi said.
“I’ve worked so hard to get to this point, to be in this position to contend for a title. I am praying and manifesting for the good vibes to continue into the 2024 season.”
So far, the Kings have been seeing Ahanmisi’s value.
The former Minnesota Golden Gopher has been averaging 14.7 points, seven rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, helping the Kings inch closer to a twice-to-beat bonus in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
The Kings are tied with San Miguel Beer at the fifth spot with a 6-3 win-loss record behind Magnolia, Phoenix and Meralco.
But with still two games left, anything can happen.
