By Adrian Stewart Co

As he enters his 18th season this 2020 PBA Philippine Cup, Bacolodnon center Reynel Hugnatan of the Meralco Bolts said he does not see himself retiring from professional basketball soon.

In an interview with SPIN Sidelines, 41-year-old Hugnatan said he was grateful to the Bolts that his contract was renewed as he chases his fourth PBA championship.

“Hindi ko pa iniisip ‘yan,” said the former Negros Slashers big man. “Basta may mga offers pa sa team, bakit hindi. Kasi iniisip ko, kapag hindi na ako naglalaro [sa PBA], maglalaro pa rin ako.”

“At least ngayon, nabibigyan pa ako ng kontrata ng team. At least kumikita pa ako,” he added. “Eto ‘yung first love ko eh. Eto ‘yung gustong-gusto ko. Kaya siguro rin ako nagtagal dahil kumbaga hindi ko pinapabayaan sarili ko. Mahal ko trabaho ko.”

Hugnatan started playing in Manila for the University of Manila collegiate team before turning pro with the Slashers in the defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA) from 1998 to 2003.

Following the demise of the MBA, Hugnatan went to the PBA where he was drafted ninth overall by Coca-Cola Tigers in 2003. He has since played for the Alaska Aces and the Bolts.

As one of the veterans of the Bolts, Hugnatan said that he makes sure to lead by example by coming to practice early and doing some extra work after training.

“Ako kasi ‘yung kuya nila. Ako naman kasi, hindi ako masyadong talkative sa kanila. Pinapakita ko lang sa kanila kung bakit ako nag tagal sa PBA. Parang lagi kong pinapakita sa kanila na ako ang nauuna sa gym, nagsu-shooting, ako lagi ‘yung huling umuuwi,” Hugnatan said.

“Kapag isang beterano makikita ng isang rookie o isang teammate na maaga ka lagi, late ka umuuwi, nagsu-shooting ka pa rin, minsan mahihiya sila. Sa ganun pa lang na example, doon ka matututo eh,” he added.

Hugnatan and the Bolts are set to begin their Philippine Cup campaign against Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at 4:30 p.m. today at the Angeles University Foundation Gym in Pampanga./ASC, WDJ