Little-known PUP graduate tries luck in PBA Draft

Christian Geronimo. Photo by Randolph B. Leongson/ INQUIRER.net

Little-known Christian Geronimo sees him joining the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft as his shot to make his dreams come true.

Showcasing his talents alongside heralded counterparts, the PUP graduate admitted he was humbled to play with guys like Kiefer Ravena, Jason Perkins, Lervin Flores, and Robbie Herndon.

“It’s overwhelming and I really felt the nerves,” he admitted in Filipino. “But all I’m thinking about is I need to do this because it’s always been my dream to play in the PBA.”

The 29-year-old knows his chances of getting drafted are slim, but there’s no harm in trying as he left his job as a sales agent in a car company a year ago to prepare for this draft.

“My coach in PUP told me that I’m already 29 so I should try getting drafted. I really had doubts, but I decided that I should give it a go,” he shared. “Since resigning for my job, all I did was to play basketball and have a better conditioning to be ready for the draft.”

Geronimo’s skills were tested in the two-day 2017 Gatorade PBA Draft Combine as he shared the court with bluechip stalwarts. And although at times, he felt like he was out of place, he was satisfied to be able to keep up with the likes of Ravena and Herndon.

“I was still feeling my way. I was nervous, but I’m happy that I was able to play alongside them,” he said.

Whether or not he gets selected, Geronimo is already happy that he tried his best to make his dreams come true as he hopes to become an inspiration to fellow lesser-known players in terms of shooting for the stars.

“I want to prove that I can play here and I can give inspiration to all who dreams to play in the PBA,” he said.