Roi Sumang on stage in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Though he had to wait of the third round before his name got called, Roi Sumang is just happy to get a chance to strut his wares in the pros.
The former University of the East Red Warrior was a projected early pick but was only drafted fourth in the third round by Globalport.
“Para sa akin, masaya pa rin ako kasi na-draft ako. Di naman ako nag-expect at di rin ako naniniwala sa mga mock draft,” he said, moments after he took the stage of the 2015 Gatorade PBA Rookie Draft Sunday at Robinsons Midtown in Ermita.
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(I’m just happy I got drafted. I didn’t expect anything and I didn’t believe in mock drafts.)
And as he joins a guard-heavy GlobalPort squad, Sumang, who never shies away from big moments, is just going to do what made him famous in the collegiate ranks.
“Gagawin ko lang yung best ko para sa team (I’ll just for my best for the team.),” said Sumang.
But for his new coach Pido Jarencio, the whole Batang Pier coaching staff is just elated that a guy like Sumang fell into their lap.
“Actually, talagang kung aabot kami sa kanya, ipipick namin sya. Nagulat kami kasi sa mock draft namin, first rounder sya. Baka may nakita silang mas magaling na players pero kami naman, naghihintay lang kami,” he said.
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(Actually, if we’re able to get to him, we’ll pick him. We’re surprised because in our mock draft, he’s in the first round. Maybe the other teams saw some guys who are better, but we’re just waiting for our turn.)
Jarencio also calls the pick a “blessing in disguise” and that everything fell into place for the Batang Pier, who took advantage of the deep draft class.
Though GlobalPort has an abundance in backcourt players, the outspoken coach said that Sumang fits perfectly with the team together with Stanley Pringle, Terrence Romeo, and newly acquired Joseph Yeo.
“What we have are combo guards. As much as he’s a scorer, Sumang also plays the point. He’s a welcome addition for us,” Jarencio said.