IS Barangay Ginebra's loss, TNT’s gain?
Apparently, it’s the Tropang Giga who’s benefiting from their decision to sign up free agent rookie Kim Aurin, who was originally picked by the Kings in the last PBA draft.
Aurin showed his value with TNT during the team’s final game in the Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, scoring a conference-high 18 points including key baskets in a crucial stretch of the 116-96 victory over Phoenix Fuel Masters.
READ Kim Aurin set to play for Ginebra 3x3 after Perpetual Help falling-out
The former University of Perpetual Help stalwart spiked his first career start as a pro by going 6-of-12 from the field including 3-of-5 from three-point range.
More importantly, he played a huge part in the Tropang Giga clinching the eighth and last berth in the playoffs of the season-opening tournament.
“I think he deserves all the minutes he’s getting right now. We talked about starting him because we’re looking for a scorer,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa of the rookie guard. “And si Kim, one of his strongest skills is that we know he can score.”
Aurin of course, has been identified previously with Ginebra where he formed part of the team’s 3x3 team that won a pair of leg titles in the PBA three-a-side tournament alongside Ralph Cu, Donald Gumaru, and Ralph Salcedo.
The Kings eventually picked him in the third round of the last PBA draft at No. 34 overall.
Unfortunately, Aurin was nursing an injured back then that Ginebra tinkered of keeping him in its 3x3 team for a moment. But Aurin was hell bent on moving up to the 5-on-5 game and focused on recovering from his injury.
TNT though was an interested party observing from afar.
“Si Kim nakita ko siya sa 3x3, kasi nanonood ako ng mga games nila. And I saw some potential there,” said TNT coach Jojo Lastimosa.
The Tropang Giga were a willing party ready to take on the risk despite Aurin’s health condition, convincing the player and his representative Danny Espiritu to take their offer of a six-month contract for the season.
The uncertainty of shooting guard Roger Pogoy’s health situation also factored in the decision to gamble on the untested freshman.
TNT gamble
“He has a lot to prove na ang daming umayaw sa kanya,” added Lastimosa. “Gusto niyang mag 5-on-5, and we gave him a six-month contract.”
Slowly, Aurin, voted as the PBA Press Corps-Pilipinas Live player of the Week (Jan. 10-14) is proving his worth with TNT, which Lastimosa hopes he’ll continue to do through patience and hard work.
“I hope he continues to work hard,” said the TNT coach, noting that Aurin still has to work on his defense.
“Now we’re looking at a guy who’s probably going to play a little bit more,” added Lastimosa. “He deserves what he is getting right now.”
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