Maliksi apologizes to Webb, vows to work hard to earn spot

MANILA, Philippines -- Disgruntled forward Allein Maliksi apologized to Star Hotshots coach Jason Webb for a series of posts on Instagram, which the fans felt was a hint that he is no longer happy with the team.

Maliksi and Webb had a heart-to-heart talk on Tuesday to address the issue. While the rookie head coach opted to keep their conversation private, Maliksi was more outspoken and clarified things in the hopes of finally putting an end to the issue.

READ: Webb answers Maliksi's intriguing Instragram post

"I'm not asking for a trade. I'm not in the position to ask for a trade. I don't want to make a bad blood with management and coach Jason," Maliksi told Philstar.com shortly after his one-on-one meeting with his coach. 

"Nag-usap kami ni coach Jason. I apologized kanina sa ginawa ko na in-explain niya it was disrespectful to him and the management. Sabi ko, I'm sorry I was just frustrated," he added. "Tao lang ako. I commit mistakes.  But the important thing is I learned from it."

Maliksi admitted that his posts were born out of his growing frustration about the limited time he's getting in the first season of his new two-year contract.

"Normal sa player na ma-frustrate. Hindi ko naman gawa-gawa yun, may shirt talaga ang Nike na ganun. Nag-aasaran kami ng girlfriend ko at that time. Post ko kaya 'to tapos ipabili ko sa kaniya," Maliksi recounted. 

Screenshot of Maliksi's deleted controversial Instagram post on Monday. 

"Medyo emotional ako ' nun eh. Hindi ko kasi alam kung ano ang future ko with Star dahil sa hindi ako masyadong nakakalaro. Naghahanap ako ng mga posts na I can be positive. Hindi ko alam na magiging big issue pala. That's why I deleted it kaagad baka lumaki pa which is lumaki na nga," he explained.

But after sorting out the issue with his coach, Maliksi have learned his lessons which he also hopes will make him mature as a person and as a player.

"I will just work hard na lang sa practice. I learned from it na wag ng mag-social media when I'm emotionally high or frustrated," Maliksi said.

In the meeting, Webb explained to him that James Yap's stellar play in the Hotshots' first two games was the main reason why he saw limited time on the court.

The 28-year-old Maliksi averaged just 2.5 points and 1.0 rebound in 6.5 minutes in the team’s first two outings in the Philippine Cup.

Before Webb took over the reins at Star, Maliksi said he was told by the first year head coach that he will have to earn a spot and will play at small forward more often.

And that is what he intends to do after putting this issue behind them.

"Lagi naman ako nagwo-work hard sa practice. Ipapakita ko na I just wanted to play and help the team. If they will play me, I will grab the opportunity. Pero kung hindi, if that will help the team at nananalo naman, I will accept it," Maliksi said.

At the end of their meeting, Maliksi said Webb kept the communication line open between them.

"You have my number. You can call me anytime," Webb was quoted saying by Maliksi.