Salva honored to join Ginebra, excited to learn from Cone

Nico Salva. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel continues to have a busy offseason after getting third-year forward Nico Salva from Barako Bull.

The 25-year-old Salva saw limited playing time for the Energy last season but his move to the Kings may just be what the former Ateneo standout needs to show what he’s capable of.

“It is an honor and a huge blessing to have the opportunity to play for the most loved team in the PBA,” Salva told INQUIRER.net Tuesday.

Ginebra, which shipped point guards Eman Monfort, Josh Urbiztondo and Jens Knuttel to Barako, also acquiring the rights to the Energy’s 2016 first round pick as part of the deal.

READ: Ginebra sends Urbiztondo, Monfort, Knuttel to Barako Bull

Salva, who was an 11th overall pick by Globalport in 2013, is looking forward to learning more about himself and the game from one of the greatest basketball minds in Tim Cone.

“I’ve been working very hard and I hope to be able to put my skills to good use and be able to inspire people and give glory to God with my abilities,” said the 6-foot-4 Salva, who was a back-to-back UAAP Finals MVP during the last two years of the Blue Eagles’ five-peat.

“And with Tim Cone as coach i know that I will grow as a player and as a person. I’m excited to learn from the winningest coach in the PBA.”