HE’S the first to submit his documents for this PBA Draft and also emerged as the fastest player in the Draft Combine.
But it seems Ryan Arambulo won’t mind if he hears his name called last on Sunday – as long as he gets a chance to play in the PBA.
“Kahit anong team, I just want to play and be used, waiting for the best opportunity,” the US-born and raised Filipino rookie hopeful said.
Arambulo started out on a different path as a track and field standout in college at Cal State Fullerton, but playing basketball in Filipino leagues drew scouts’ attention and brought him to his parents’ homeland.
“I’ve always wanted to play pro, so I just decided to make the leap and make the most out of it,” said the 6-foot-2 cager, who spent the last four years playing in amateur leagues, including the Filsports Basketball Association and the PBA D-League.
[See Sources: Tolomia to RoS, Daquioag to NLEX, Pogoy to Meralco]
Arambulo’s track experience manifested in Day One of the Combine as he topped the ¾ court sprint, taking him just 2.82 seconds to finish, and the Shuttle Run with a time of 47.22 seconds.
“I believe (I made an impression),” the 26-year-old guard/forward said. “It was more on my athletic ability. I hope it showed. I’ve been working hard just for this moment.”
However, his team, led by Gilas cadets Carl Bryan Cruz and Roger Pogoy, went winless in two games in the mini tournament on Thursday.
But Arambulo hopes it will hardly affect his stock come Draft Day.
“I just hope I really performed well,” he said. “I’ve been waiting for this for almost four years now, so all the hard work, dedication, patience, it all plays a part.”
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