Aside from familiarity, Garcia lauds Nambatac, Sollano for their work ethic

Rey Nambatac and Jom Sollano. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Familiarity is key.

And for coach Caloy Garcia, having players who aren’t strangers to his system is huge as Rain or Shine plots its way back to contender status this coming season.

That’s why he didn’t shy away from drafting his former Letran studs Rey Nambatac and Jom Sollano in the first two rounds of the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft on Sunday.

“They played for me before in the NCAA and they’re familiar with me. It just so happened that they fell in our laps,” Garcia, who coached at Letran for two seasons, said.

More than his attachment with his former Knights, Garcia noted that what made him decide to pluck the two, alongside third round pick Michael Juico of San Sebastian, is their grit, something that he is in the look out for in a player.

“Basically, they’re hard workers. Rey and Jom won a championship together so they have the experience. It’s all about them working hard and that’s one of the things I look for from the players, the ones who want to work hard, play hard, and give their 100 percent every practice and every game,” he said.

With the new batch of Rain or Shine rookies coming in, Garcia likes what he sees from his group going forward.

“It’s going to be a good competition for us every practice and every game. The ones we got, I’m sure, will complement the team,” he said.