Kia signs up little known but ‘hungry’ players as part of ‘unconventional mentality’

Chris de Chavez was picked in the third round by Kia in the 2017 PBA Rookie Draft. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Two is better than one.

That’s the “unconventional mentality” Kia is embracing as it embarks on a new beginning with team governor Bobby Rosales and team manager Joe Lipa leading the charge.

And the Picanto aren’t batting an eyelash over losing the chance to sign top overall selection Christian Standhardinger, after trading the pick to San Miguel in exchange for a pair of veterans in Ronald Tubid and JayR Reyes, as well as sophomore guard Rashawn McCarthy.

They still ended up with a Christian in their team. Two, in fact: Chris de Chavez and Christian Geronimo.

Without any picks in the first two rounds, Kia settled for drafting the wide-bodied Arvie Bringas of FEU, de Chavez from Ateneo, and little-known Geronimo of PUP as it continued to stockpile on prospects who they feel are eager enough to show their worth and accept their unique approach wholeheartedly.

“We’d like to give hungry young players a chance to prove themselves in our team,” said Lipa.

Kia is doubling down on the players’ desire to win rather than sheer talent alone, a method unheard of in any league.

“The idea that were trying to develop has been proven in the past with the NCC and Purefoods teams before, but it takes years and a lot of dedication on the part of the players and the coaching staff to make it work. As we’ve said, we’d like to pay our dues,” said Lipa. “It may not be the conventional type of basketball people are expecting, but look at it as our little contribution and give us a chance to do something different.”

Lipa also vouched for another Christian — Chris Gavina, that is — as the longtime deputy will now be given the steering wheel to anchor the Picanto this upcoming season as their new head coach.

“Coach Chris is familiar with our philosophy with how we want to play the game. Our system is more of a system where everybody should fit into a role, and we believe that have the necessary tools to teach them how to play competitive basketball in the pro level,” he said.