Among the 55 hopefuls in this year’s batch of rookie applicants, Jericho de Guzman has been enlisted as a practice player for Barangay Ginebra before the start of the PBA Governors’ Cup last season.
De Guzman, 6-foot-11, was part of the Far Eastern University team in the UAAP before moving over to the College of St. Benilde in the NCAA.
The long-armed De Guzman – considered a project player since his college days – is ecstatic to have learned from the Gin Kings and coach Tim Cone.
According to De Guzman, not all players in the country get to experience practicing with Ginebra.
“Actually grabeng experience yun (practicing at Ginebra),” he said, saying he was lucky to have been given the chance.
De Guzman, 27, said he was fortunate to get a call from Cone’s deputy Richard del Rosario, who used to be his coach back at St. Benilde.
He was given a warm welcome by the Ginebra players, De Guzman said, making the experience more memorable. He claimed he was not treated as just a practice player during scrimmages and drills.
If given the choice, the rookie said he’d like to play for Ginebra next season. The team, he said, gave him the atmosphere of family.
“Sanay na rin ko sa system ni coach Tim at ma-improve ko pa,” he said, but said that he’ll give his very best should he end up being drafted and signed by another PBA team.
De Guzman is from Barangay Pandan, Angeles City.