Even John Abis was surprised to hear his name called by Barangay Ginebra during the PBA Season 50 Rookie Draft.
But Olsen Racela, his coach at Perpetual and an assistant for the Gin Kings, said he had no influence on Abis' selection and shared that Ginebra head coach Tim Cone has the final say in their draft decisions.
In fact, Racela said that Abis left a good impression on Cone during the time the 6-foot-3 forward attended a Ginebra practice.
"Hindi naman ako ‘yung nagde-decide nu’n, ano lang ako 'Boy Bulong' lang ako. Si Coach Tim likes what he saw in practice. Si John kasi worked out with Ginebra after the draft, five days before the season," Racela shared on Saturday after Perpetual escaped JRU for their fifth win in six games.
"Gusto niya is John’s guard skills. He may play the four in the NCAA, but he has a potential to play the wing in the pros so ayun ‘yung nagustuhan ni Coach Tim sa kanya."
While he’s managed to impress Cone, Abis stressed that his focus is on helping the ALTAs reach the Final Four of NCAA Season 101 and, hopefully, end his college career as a champion.
"Hindi ko alam eh, pagka-draft sa akin halo-halo ‘yung emotions. Sobrang excited and kinakabahan. May hawak akong cellphone, hindi ko alam kung saan ko ilalagay, sa coat ba or sa pants ko," Abis revealed.
"Ako, hindi ko na muna masyadong iniisip ‘yung na-draft ako. Kumbaga focused lang ako dito sa Perpetual, focus muna ako sa present."
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
