CHICAGO - With the Philippines set to defend its Southeast Asian Games basketball gold medal this December, there is no shortage of domestic and foreign-based hoopers who want to champion the cause.
Another big name entered the mix on Tuesday - Kai Ballungay.
The 6-foot-7, 193-lb forward was one of the few flickering lights that glowed out of the darkness that is the Phoenix Fuel Masters in the PBA.
READ All these players are willing to play for Gilas at SEA Games
A former Ateneo Blue Eagle who left the UAAP early to enter the 2024 PBA Rookie Draft where he was scooped by Phoenix at No.4 overall, Kai averaged 16.1 points and 9.8 rebounds in 11 Philippine Cup where the Fuel Masters had a decent 4-7 finish.
"It's been a goal of mine to play for the national team for years now, even before playing for Ateneo. The opportunity to represent something bigger than myself would be an honor and I would love for that to come to fruition," the 22-year old Fil-Am from Hawaii told me via text message.
VERSATILE BIG.
A Phoenix team official, who requested anonymity because he doesn't want his comments to be viewed as lobbying, said Ballungay will be an asset for Gilas.
"He is a natural 4 but versatile enough to also play 3. He can play outside and can also post up, He's very athletic and has a great attitude. He can be the next Calvin Oftana," the official said.
The only wrinkle in Ballungay's armor, for now, is the 3-point shot which is an important weapon for bigs his size in the international stage.
Ballungay just hit 4-of-25 from 3 as a pro, a low 16 percent,
But why?
"I think the low volume of 3-point attempts I took, in general, kind of displayed how I was utilized in that aspect of our offense, whereas I was more involved in more pick-and-roll actions rather than popping which I was used to coming out of Ateneo."
GROWING PAINS.
In other words, he was going through an adjustment phase but he now has a "clearer understanding of the offense" and "become more comfortable beyond the arc."
Meanwhile, Ballungay said the physicality in the PBA has been the "biggest difference in transitioning from college ball to the pros, one of those things where you don't truly understand how it is until you experience it over the course of a few conferences."
As shown by his production, though, he's not wrong to say "I held my own even in my rookie year."
Signed to a three-year deal by Phoenix last July, Kai has the luxury of further growing his game in the next level.
In the meantime, he would look greet in red, white and blue.
I believe the Gilas diehards can all agree on that.
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