PBA: Kim Aurin honored to play for Ginebra en route to Rookie Draft
PBA draft aspirant Kim Aurin playing for Ginebra in PBA on Tour. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — PBA draft aspirant Kim Aurin is honored to play for his 3×3 squad and his family’s favorite team Barangay Ginebra in the ongoing PBA On Tour.
The 6-foot-2 guard, who is seeking to be drafted next PBA season, has been impressive for the Gin Kings in their past three games, averaging 12.0, 3.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals.
Aurin relished the opportunity to play for his dream PBA team even before he enters the Rookie Draft.
“I’m speechless but I’m happy because it has been my dream to play for Ginebra and now I am here,” he said after contributing six points, three assists, and three steals in 11 minutes of play as Barangay Ginebra scored its first preseason win over Phoenix, 95-89, on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
“I will keep on playing well for my family and for my Ginebra teammates and coaches.”
PBA draft aspirant Kim Aurin playing for Ginebra in PBA on Tour. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Aurin has been playing for the Ginebra 3×3 team with Ralph Salcedo, Louis Cu, and Donald Gumaru. And he lauded coach Kirk Collier’s system for making his transition to Ginebra’s 5-on-5 play easier.
“Our team has been positive so far. Every day, we improve together,” he said in Filipino. “This is a good exposure and experience for me.”
“The system of coach Kirk has been helpful because it’s the same as the system in 5 on 5 so I’m familiar with their system. I just need to make a few adjustments,” he added.
The University of Perpetual Help product was supposed to enter last year’s PBA Draft but his plans got derailed due to chicken pox.
This time, Aurin hopes to make it to the big league, regardless of whether he will be drafted by Ginebra or other teams.
“Whatever the Lord gives me, whichever team, I’m good with it. But Ginebra has become my family, so hopefully, I can stay here,” Aurin said.
