BLACKWATER and Phoenix took a first look at rookie prospect Kai Ballungay during a special pre-PBA Draft workout held Tuesday at the Reyes gym.
Bossing coach Jeff Cariaso and Fuel Masters deputy Paolo Dizon were in attendance during the hour-long workout that saw the former Ateneo ace do shooting drills and some low-post moves.
Ballungay also showed he could elevate as the 6-foot-7 forward dunked the ball several times.
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“Of course he is (a prospect) with his length and size. How can you miss on such a player?” said Cariaso, who was accompanied by assistant coaches Mike Cortez and Junjie Ablan.
Blackwater owns the No. 2 overall pick in the July 14 proceedings at Glorietta in Makati.
Phoenix on the other hand, takes its turn at No. 4 overall.
“It’s a great opportunity and a blessing to be here, to be here with coaches in attendance is such a great blessing,” said the 22-year-old cager.
Ballungay though, is tempering expectations for the coming draft, saying it’s a good feeling just being picked by any team wanting and needing his services.
“Any team that is willing to take me would be a blessing,” said the 6-foot-7 Fil-Am. “I’m just blessed to be able to play the game that I love at a professional level.”
Ballungay declared for the Draft at the last-minute and Titan Management Group, which represents the Hawaii-born player, arranged the workout just four days before draft day.
“I’m putting all my hard work into it. It’s something I look forward to” he said, adding he’s currently in the best shape and mindset of his young career.
Ballungay, who initially suited up for Cal State University Stanislaus before transferring to Ateneo, said he’ll be attending the two-day Draft Combine set at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig starting Wednesday to show exactly what he can bring to the table as an incoming PBA rookie.
“I’m willing to show my skills and hope everything work out for us (rookies). Yeah, I’ll be there,” said the forward who was part of Ateneo’s championship unit during the UAAP Season 85 as a rookie player.
Ballungay also said he's willing to accommodate teams interested to have him work out with them prior to the draft.
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