ROOKIE Josan Nimes played in his first game in a PBA Finals on Wednesday night during Game Three of the Rain or Shine-Alaska title series.
It so happened, it was his birthday, too.
The 25-year-old wingman from Mapua saw action for seven minutes in the first half as he finally got a feel of how it plays in the big stage of Asia’s first ever play-for-pay league. He finished scoreless, but had a rebound and an assist in the 112-108 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
That the Elasto Painters won and he got to play in the finals made his day very special, according to Nimes.
“My first finals game is on my birthday, plus we won, so it really feels good,” said the native of Talavera, Nueva Ecija, who was the team’s first round pick (12th overall) in last year’s draft.
He admitted being told beforehand by coach Yeng Guiao that he’ll be playing in the game, "so I was prepared for it."
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Following the win, Rain or Shine moved just a victory away from earning a second league championship, which could come as Friday in Game Four.
Nimes is happy to come close to winning a championship on his rookie season with the Elasto Painters, who he describes as a ‘winning team, where everybody gets along and everybody is happy.’
“It’s a blessing. I couldn’t ask for anything more,” said Nimes, a product of West View High School in Arizona. “I’m very blessed to be in this situation.”
Definitely, winning a title would be the perfect gift on his birthday.
“That would be the best gift,” said Nimes, who has yet to treat the team on his special day.
“We’ve been busy (the past few days). I haven’t had the chance. Maybe eventually, especially if we win,” he added.