THE name at the back of his jersey appeared too long, but Rain or Shine rookie Felix Pangilinan-Lemetti doesn’t mind.
Pangilinan is his mother’s surname and the Fil-Swedish player vowed to carry her maiden name on his jersey from here on.
“It’s a tribute to my mother. It’s her last name before she got married,” he explained of the last name written at the back of his No. 2 Rain or Shine uniform. “I’m proud to wear it and I’m proud to represent my Filipino heritage.”
His family is definitely proud too, of the way the rookie guard has been playing for the Elasto Painters, who are off to their finest start in three years following their 124-105 win over the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ Rain or Shine stays unbeaten after wiping out 21-point NLEX lead
Lemetti failed to finish in double figures for the first time with nine points on an efficient 3-of-5 shooting from the three-point range. But he’ll definitely take the win – the third straight for Rain or Shine for a 3-0 record and the solo spot in Group B in the PBA Governors' Cup.
It’s also the best start in a conference for the franchise since the 2021 Philippine Cup bubble.
“Going 3 and 0 and undefeated right now feels great. Feels great to get the opportunity as well so I’m happy,” said the surprise no. 8 overall pick in the last draft.
The 25-year-old Lemetti said slowly but surely, he’s getting a good grasp of the system of coach Yeng Guiao and the way the game is played in the league in general.
“It’s been good. I feel like every game I’m getting more comfortable with the physicality and the speed. I feel like every game I just keep on improving and we keep on winning, and I think that’s the most important,” he said.
Mom set for homecoming
Lemetti hopes Rain or Shine will keep the winning streak, good enough for the team to reach the playoffs for the third straight conference.
His mother after all, is planning to visit Manila two months from now, and a stint in the quarterfinals, more so deeper into the playoffs, will mean a chance for his family to see him play in person.
Lemetti said her mother's family hails from Mindoro, although she’s currently based in Sweden.
“Hopefully the people of Mindoro and my family in the Philippines feel proud when they see me play with the name on my jersey,” he said.
“She’s coming to visit in October. So hopefully we’ll be in the playoffs by then and she can watch the game.”
Despite the long name in his playing jersey, Lemetti said he’s bound to keep the tradition for the rest of his playing career.
“I didn’t realize how long it’s gonna be but I’m proud of it,” he said. “This is my first time (to use it), and I will keep it throughout my whole career.”
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