When his first stint in the PBA three years ago wound up in a heartbreak, Romeo Travis knew he would come back for redemption.
What Travis didn't know was he would suit up for a different team this time.
"I wanted to come back with Alaska, to be honest. But for two years they chose someone else when I was available," said the new Magnolia import.
That's not to say that he isn't happy to be back for another tour of duty in the league where he first made a name for himself after leading the Aces to the finals against the San Miguel Beermen. He is still with a top-caliber team now, after all.
"Happy to be here. Good to be here. It's not the situation I thought it would be but I'm still happy to be here in the Philippines," he said. "Happy to be with Purefoods. It's a great organization. I'm just excited for our opportunity."
Travis, a close friend of NBA superstar LeBron James, was quick to put his stamp on his new team, which, like Alaska, is putting premium on defense.
Although he was still getting the hang of playing with his new teammates, Travis reintroduced himself to PBA fans and finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and the same number of blocks.
Magnolia coach Chito Victolero was pleased with what he saw nonetheless.
"He arrived three weeks ago and I think he already got the system and developed the chemistry with the locals," Victolero said.
It maybe a different team, but Travis' goal remains the same: to win a championship.
"When coach Chito called me, and I was free. It was a good situation and I looked at the roster, I looked at the conference with the All-Filipinos, they went to the Finals, they showed that they had good players here, and that is why I wanted to come back. And, just come back and fight for a championship," he said.