Tim Cone admits it was really hard for Ginebra to trade Maverick Ahanmisi and Aljon Mariano to Terrafirma

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel has begun shaking up its roster early in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup, finalizing a trade that sends veterans Maverick Ahanmisi and Aljon Mariano to Terrafirma Dyip in exchange for a Season 51 first-round draft pick.

The PBA approved the trade just hours before Ginebra’s opening game of the conference on Wednesday, October 16, signaling the team’s commitment to future-building while also honoring the wishes of its players.

Head coach Tim Cone revealed that Ahanmisi himself requested the trade in search of more playing time, after spending last season as a backup to Scottie Thompson and RJ Abarrientos.

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“It was a situation where a veteran player like Maverick is in the prime of his career. He wasn’t satisfied backing up Scottie and RJ, so he requested a trade,” Cone said. “We don’t want hostages on our basketball team. We want volunteers, and we’re not going to hold anybody back if they want to move.”

Despite a limited role, Ahanmisi remained effective, averaging 7.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game last season. Cone praised the 32-year-old guard’s professionalism during the trade process and his consistent high-level play throughout his PBA career.

WE DON’T WANT HOSTAGES, WE WANT VOLUNTEERS

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone spoke about the trade that sent Maverick Ahanmisi and Aljon Mariano to Terrafirma for the next season’s first round pick after last night’s 92-77 win over TNT in the PBA Philippine Cup @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/eBG3Y62FQ0

— Jonas Terrado (@jonasterradoINQ) October 16, 2025

“He was incredibly professional through the whole process. Maverick is an elite player. Whether it’s been Rain or Shine, Blackwater, Converge, or Ginebra, he’s made an impact everywhere,” Cone added.

The trade also sees the departure of Aljon Mariano, a long-time Ginebra stalwart who has been with the team since being drafted in 2015. The 33-year-old forward was part of seven PBA championships during his tenure but has struggled for playing time in recent seasons due to injuries and depth at his position.

“Aljon has been incredibly loyal for so many years,” Cone shared. “It was really hard seeing him go. He wasn’t going to get much playing time here, backing up Troy Rosario and Stephen Holt. Hopefully, this gives him a chance to resuscitate his career.”

Last season, Mariano appeared in 28 games, averaging just 1.4 points and 1.1 rebounds in about five minutes per outing.

Both Ahanmisi and Mariano now join a young Terrafirma core, where they are expected to receive increased minutes and leadership roles—ideal for players aiming to rejuvenate their careers.

For Ginebra, the trade reflects a strategic decision to invest in the future, adding a valuable first-round pick in a deep upcoming draft class. For Ahanmisi and Mariano, it’s an opportunity to turn the page and carve out new roles on a rebuilding squad.

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