EIGHT years ago, Don Trollano was like living in a fantasy world — a first class flight to Jakarta and an opportunity to play for flag and country in the Asian Games.
But it did not happen.
That first class seat was reserved for NBA star Jordan Clarkson, who was set to play for the Philippine men’s basketball team for the first time.
Then playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Clarkson was given the green light to play by his mother squad, and immediately, the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas worked round the clock to make him eligible for the quadrennial meet.
Trollano was just a back-up in case Clarkson failed to make the team.
It was a tough situation to be with for anyone who became part of the hastily assembled squad put together barely two weeks before the competition.
Looking back, the SBP contemplated of not sending a basketball team to the 2018 Asian Games.
Gilas Pilipinas was badly decimated following suspensions to the majority of its members — from the coaches, to its players all the way down to the team staff — following an ugly brawl against the visiting Australian squad, which battled the Filipinos in one of the windows of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
Only three players did not take part in the fracas, June Mar Fajardo, Gabe Norwood and Baser Amer.
But Rain or Shine stepped up and saw this as an opportunity to get its organization involved with the national team.
The Elasto Painters, co-owned by Raymond Yu and Terry Que, agreed to bankroll the Asian Games squad and immediately, the core of the Rain or Shine team was tapped to join Clarkson, who has Filipino roots.
The Rain or Shine team sent two-time Most Valuable Player James Yap, Norwood, Chris Tiu, Beau Belga, Raymond Almazan and Maverick Ahanmisi.
Other PBA stars also shored up the squad such as Paul Lee, Christian Standhardinger, Stanley Pringle, Poy Erram and Asi Taulava.
Even young stars outside of the PBA were added to be part of the pool such as Kobe Paras, Ricci Rivero and a young Kai Sotto, who was still playing high school basketball at that time.
Yeng Guiao, who just moved in a few years earlier to assume the role as head coach and general manager of the NLEX Road Warriors, was tapped to coach the Rain or Shine-backed team and was assisted by Caloy Garcia and the rest of the Elasto Painters coaching staff. Multi-titled PBA coach Ryan Gregorio and former Gilas Pilipinas youth mentor Michael Oliver were also added to the Philippine quintet coaching staff.
Trollano was the last player to be cut to give way for the entry of Clarkson.
Following his association with Clarkson, the name "Don Clarkson" still sticks to Trollano each time his name is being called, pertaining to that missed opportunity of playing in the Asian Games.
Eight years later, Trollano’s name was called again. This time, he is going to represent the Philippine men’s basketball team — for real.
Trollano had certainly earned his spot, being one of the most consistent performers on the side of the San Miguel Beermen, even when he was coming in as a sixth man for the team.
For the former Adamson stalwart, it’s never too late represent the country in a major international event.
This time, he is not taking in somebody’s spot and is eager to contribute to the Philippine team that is facing tremendous odds of defending the crown.
No Clarkson. Justin Brownlee. No Bennie Boatwright. No Ange Kouame. No overseas stars like Kai Sotto, Dwight Ramos, AJ Edu, Carl Tamayo and Kevin Quiambao.
But Gilas Pilipinas has Trollano and other PBA stars ready to fill in the gap.
It may be a tougher task for Tim Cone and his troops as playing all-Filipino might be the best option for our team. They are the defending champs but are considered the underdogs in the 2026 Asian Games.
The entire nation will be hoping and praying and this writer is happy to see Trollano finally living the dream.
