Replaced by a National Basketball Association (NBA) player in what could’ve been his Gilas Pilipinas debut in the Asian Games eight years ago, veteran small forward Don Trollano relishes the opportunity to play for the country.

The San Miguel Beer scorer got a second — and sure — shot at seeing action on the hardwood as Gilas defends its gold medal in next week’s start of the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.

Trollano is one of 11 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) players, plus a yet-to-show-up naturalized player Justin Brownlee, tapped for Gilas’ back-to-back bid in the quadrennial continental showpiece.

“Honored and blessed and excited at the same time,” Trollano said on Thursday during a Zoom press conference.

The 34-year-old, four-time PBA champion was supposed to suit up for Gilas back in the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games.

However, Trollano was replaced by Filipino-American NBA star Jordan Clarkson, who suddenly became available after the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas successfully processed his eligibility requirements.

“This is my first time (playing in the Asian Games). It was a botched try last time. So, this is my first time. Last time, I think I was the youngest in the team. Now, I think I’m the oldest in this batch. So yeah, honored and blessed,” Trollano said.

Gilas is currently in South Korea for a training camp and to play a couple of tune-up games against the Korean national squad.

“Actually, all of us are motivated since we’re the defending champions. So, for us, I think that’s extra motivation to defend the crown,” Trollano said.

Being one of the seniors for a relatively young Gilas core, Trollano is embracing his role as a leader.

“I think that would be my main role since I’m one of the seniors here and I think I’m a bit slower than before. I may not be able to run as much as I wanted to,” he quipped.

“But yes, that’s going to be my role: become a leader. Be the one to remind the guys about what we should do inside the court,” Trollano added.

“I’m embracing being their kuya, they actually call me that. I think I just have to embrace that role of being a leader and kuya to them.”