First became friends with Greg Slaughter while he was with Smart Gilas. Usually sat in the back of the team bus with guys like Rey Guevarra, Dylan Ababou, and Jayvee Casio. But I hung out with Greg because we enjoyed listening to the same type of music (rock and all its sub-genres). To see him go to Ateneo was real cool. When he raised the "The Drive for Five ends here" poster I wrote up after Ateneo's five-peat two years ago, it was an even better moment. To see the Big Fella finally go to the pros is something I am happy about.
Here's something I wrote about raising expectations now in the Ginebra camp.
Ryan Buenafe is and will always be one of my favorite Blue Eagles. It might have not shown in the stats but what he gave was immeasurable. I know there are a lot of concerns on how he will fit the pro game. Hope springs eternal. Here's hoping that high basketball IQ will help him beat the odds. His Facebook status after the 2013 PBA Draft.... classic! Love it.
Justin Chua. The dude has been wearing blue since he was in high school, college, and the D-League. Now in the pros, he still will be wearing blue. Sez Justin: "It's a sign." It's a sign too that your hard work will pay off. Proud of the dude.
Nico. What can I say? This has been not only his dream but his dad's. Met him while he was only in third year high school and I exclaimed, "He's only in high school? He can play in college already." Like Ryan Buenafe, there are concerns with Nico's height that is small for his position that is the SF spot. I know he will put in the work. He always has. Good luck! Proud of our Gatorade Brand Ambassador.
When you think about it -- Ryan, Justin, and Nico all entered Ateneo at the same time. And they are going to the PBA together. Awesome.
A terrific story! Am so happy for this guy who was not only a good athlete but he was an even better student. Playing for his "dad" in Norman Black... nice. He'll develop more.
Congratulations to all of you! More success. Rick , where they able to get their degree already?
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