Christain Geronimo was picked 42nd overall by Kia in the fifth round of the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Christian Geronimo reached for the stars, and on Sunday, he got one.
The little-known guard out of PUP made his dreams come true as Kia picked him in the fifth round as the second to the last pick in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday.
“The feeling is so great. Until now, I can’t imagine that this has happened. This hasn’t sunk in for me,” he said in Filipino.
The 29-year-old knew that his chances of being plucked from the pool were slim, and was even close on accepting his fate as the annual rookie selection went deep into the rounds.
“I’m already telling myself that if I don’t get drafted, I’m fine with it. I was motioning to my girlfriend to not cry because I’m okay and at least I tried,” he said.
But tears did fall down late at Robinsons Place Manila when the former car salesman was finally called and became part of the draftees that included the likes of Christian Standhardinger and Kiefer Ravena.
“I feel like I’m dreaming. I can’t explain what I feel. I couldn’t believe that I will go up the stage in a PBA Draft,” he said.
Now, the hardwork begins for Geronimo as he tries to prove himself that he’s worthy of a roster spot.
“Whatever I could contribute, I will give to this team. I’m grateful to them because they gave me a chance. I will work hard and do my best to make it to their lineup,” he said.
But if Geronimo doesn’t make it, he thinks he can be with Kia playing a different role.
“I can also be an agent for them, a salesman,” he joked.