Yoyoy Villamin PBA Career Highlights and Best Basketball Moments Revealed

I remember watching Don Trollano during his rookie season with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters back in 2015, and even then, you could see glimpses of the player he would become. Now at 33, he's evolved into one of the most reliable wing players in the Philippine Basketball Association, and his recent statement about continuing to take good shots moving forward speaks volumes about his basketball maturity. Having followed his career closely, I've noticed how his game has transformed from being primarily defensive-minded to becoming a legitimate two-way threat that coaches can rely on in crucial moments.

What fascinates me about Trollano's journey is how he's managed to reinvent himself multiple times throughout his PBA career. When he first entered the league, he was primarily known for his defensive capabilities and athleticism. I recall watching him during the 2016 Commissioner's Cup finals where he averaged around 7.2 points per game - decent numbers for a role player, but nothing that would suggest he'd become the scoring threat he is today. His transformation really began when he moved to the NLEX Road Warriors in 2019. That's where we saw his game expand significantly. Under coach Yeng Guiao's system, Trollano's scoring average jumped to nearly 12 points per game, and his three-point shooting percentage improved dramatically from the low 30s to around 38% during the 2021 Philippine Cup. These aren't just numbers to me - they represent a player who understood what he needed to work on and put in the necessary effort to improve.

The 2022 season was particularly impressive in my view. Trollano posted career-high numbers across the board, averaging approximately 15.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. What stood out to me wasn't just the statistics but how he achieved them. His shot selection became noticeably smarter - fewer contested long twos, more attacks to the basket, and better positioning for catch-and-shoot opportunities from beyond the arc. I've always believed that the mark of a maturing player is their understanding of efficiency, and Trollano's development in this area has been remarkable. His effective field goal percentage climbed to around 52%, which for a wing player taking his volume of shots is quite impressive.

When Trollano mentions taking good shots moving forward, I think he's referring to this evolution in his approach to offense. Having watched countless PBA games over the years, I can confidently say that his mid-range game has become one of the most efficient in the league. He's developed that rare ability to create separation without needing multiple dribbles, and his release has become quicker and more consistent. I particularly enjoy watching him operate in the pick-and-roll situations where he's learned to read defenses better - when to pull up for that sweet jumper of his versus when to attack the rim. These subtle improvements might not show up in highlight reels, but they're what make him such a valuable asset to any team.

His defensive capabilities, which were his calling card early in his career, haven't diminished either. If anything, they've become more refined. I've noticed he's particularly effective at denying passing lanes and creating turnovers that lead to easy transition opportunities. During the 2023 Commissioner's Cup, he averaged about 1.4 steals per game while often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player. This two-way impact is something I value highly in players, and Trollano exemplifies what it means to contribute on both ends of the floor.

What I find most admirable about Trollano's career trajectory is his resilience. He wasn't an overnight success story - he had to grind through multiple seasons, adapt to different coaching systems, and continuously work on his weaknesses. When he suffered that ankle injury back in 2018 that kept him out for several weeks, many wondered if he'd ever regain his athleticism. Not only did he recover, but he came back with an improved skill set that made him less reliant on pure athleticism. This ability to adapt and overcome challenges is what separates good players from great ones in my book.

Looking ahead, I'm genuinely excited to see how Trollano continues to evolve his game. At 33, he's entering what many consider the prime years for a basketball player - old enough to have accumulated valuable experience but young enough to maintain physical prowess. His commitment to taking good shots suggests he understands the importance of playing efficient, intelligent basketball as he progresses through his career. Based on what I've observed, I believe he still has several productive years ahead of him, potentially even making a case for an All-Star selection if he maintains his current level of play.

The PBA has seen many players come and go, but Trollano's story resonates with me because it's about continuous growth and adaptation. In a league where players can sometimes plateau early in their careers, he's demonstrated that with the right work ethic and basketball IQ, improvement is always possible. His journey from defensive specialist to complete two-way player serves as an excellent blueprint for younger players entering the league. As he continues to take those good shots he mentioned, I'll be watching with great interest, appreciating the career of a player who has truly made the most of his talents through hard work and smart decisions.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-14 12:00