GAB Gomez holds the distinction as the only rookie to be included in the Magnolia roster for the coming Season 50 of the PBA.
More so, with LA Tenorio assuming the post of playing coach of the Hotshots, the possibility of sharing the backcourt with the future Hall of Famer is there for the taking for the 5-foot-11 guard.
READ LA Tenorio officially listed as Magnolia playing coach
“So grateful, alam naman natin as a player kilala natin siya (Tenorio). So it’s going to be super fun. I feel I’ll really grow here,” said the Fil-Italian out of Ateneo.
Gomez was the only rookie signed by Magnolia as first-round pick Yukien Andrada will have to finish his final playing year with San Beda this season before joining Magnolia later in the year.
The 25-year-old Gomez was a third-round selection (No. 30 overall) of the Hotshots in the last rookie draft and signed to a one-year contract.
He admitted being surprised by the Hotshots’ move to gamble on him.
“I practiced with the team and really pushed myself hard. Thank you God at naka-sign ako,” said Gomez.
Aside from the 41-year-old Tenorio, the rookie guard also looks forward to playing alongside veteran backcourt mates Mark Barroca and Paul Lee.
“Super fun kasi I’m learning also at the same time,” he said of going up against Barroca and Lee everyday in practice.
Sophomores Jerom Lastimosa and Peter Alfaro complete the backcourt roster of Magnolia, making Gomez a fifth option in the Hotshots’ rotation.
He doesn’t mind .
“Ang mentality ko is just to be ready anytime,” said Gomez. “I-keep ko every moment that I’m here in the team.”
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