KAI Ballungay sees his experience playing with Ateneo in the UAAP as one of his advantages for the coming PBA Season 49 Draft.
The 22-year-old Ballungay won a championship with the Blue Eagles in 2021 under head coach Tab Baldwin, and he thinks that being part of a winning program will be beneficial in his transition to the PBA.
“Just coming from a winning culture, playing for Ateneo, getting that experience of a championship-caliber team and being able to compete at the highest level, I think that’s something that is going to work to my advantage,” Ballungay said.
The 6-foot-7 Ballungay is also making an effort to be more versatile by playing multiple positions after being assigned to the big man role prior to his bid to enter the PBA.
“I’m trying to work on converting my game over to being a wing player. I think that’s going to help, just my athleticism and size, I think it will work to my advantage playing at the wing,” he stated.
Ballungay enters the draft following the 2023 UAAP season where he averaged a team-high 11.4 points and 7.9 rebounds for the Blue Eagles, who ended up in the semifinals after bowing to University of the Philippines.
Ballungay is the second youngest player among the 70 draftees behind Jonnel Policarpio. Due to his stint with Ateneo and his skill set, Ballungay is seen as a top five prospect, something that he makes sure that doesn’t get into his head.
“I like to go in every situation thinking that I have something to prove,” said the 6-foot-7 Ballungay. “People say that I’m a top five pick, top 10 pick, so be it. I’m always going to put in the work and try to prove myself.”
The California-born Ballungay said he intended to turn pro as early as possible to take advantage of being in his prime.
“Taking advantage of the opportunity. As an athlete, you know it’s a short window. Just to maximize your prime years. I think it was time after two great seasons with Ateneo, I think it was time to move on to the professional ranks,” said Ballungay.
“I feel like the option was always there. After my second year at Ateneo, I wanted to consider anything that was on the table, professionally. But I feel like the PBA was the best (option), at this time,” he added.
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