PBA: Phoenix adds to versatility by picking Kai Ballungay

Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin and fourth overall pick Kai Ballungay during the 2024 PBA Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA Draft continues to be a charm for Phoenix coach Jamike Jarin.

After getting more than what he had hoped for last season with the selections of Ricci Rivero, Ken Tuffin and Raffy Verano, Jarin got another dynamic forward in the form of Kai Ballungay.

Ballungay, the former Ateneo star, was an easy choice for the Fuel Masters as the fourth overall pick.

“Last year, we were looking for horses and got thoroughbreds, right? This year, we were looking for cars. This time, we got super cars,” said Jarin at Glorietta Activity Center on Sunday.

READ: Kai Ballungay eager to prove worth as one of top PBA Draft prospects

“We’re very happy with what we’ve got, especially with Kai Ballungay. He plays multiple positions like we always want our players to be. We’re very excited and he’s only 22.”

Other than Ballungay, Phoenix also picked up CJ Payawal and Chico Mosqueda in the third and fourth rounds, respectively.

According to Jarin, Ballungay is a perfect addition to the Phoenix squad that he’s building.

READ: Kai Ballungay exits Ateneo after two UAAP seasons

Ballungay, who was instrumental for coach Tab Baldwin in Ateneo, is capable of playing more than one position–something that the Fuel Masters players have in common.

“In our system, we play position-less most of the time so we are very happy these players play multiple positions. We’ve seen Kai play in college in the 4. The dream is playing him at the 3.”

Jarin teased the idea of enforcing a lineup that has Perkins at the four, Ballungay at the three, Ken Tuffin at shooting guard, Tyler Tio running the point and an import being the man in the middle.

“We got something really good going on right now. We’re excited and personally I’m excited to coach him.”