IT'S rare to see twins make the jump to the pros. But to have two?
Well, the Nietos and the Marcelinos are hoping to do just that this 2019 PBA Rookie Draft.
If brothers Matt and Mike as well as Jaycee and Jayvee do get selected, they will join a short list of twins who have played in the league.
According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon III, the Nietos and the Marcelinos are in line to be the fourth and fifth set of twins to suit up in the PBA, whoever comes first.
The Aldaneses, Jing and Noli, of Far Eastern University first did it in 1975, teaming up for CFC Presto Ice Cream.
The Guzmans followed suit seven years later, with Joel playing for Galerie Dominique and Noel repping N-Rich/Great Taste.
And of course, there's the Semerads of San Beda, who came to the league in 2014 and got a chance to team up together in TNT before Anthony parted ways with twin David after being traded to Blackwater this past Governors' Cup.
But before Ateneo's Nietos and Lyceum's Marcelinos take their act to the PBA, they've already had the chance to work out with Alaska a day before the Draft Combine.
"Hindi namin mahindian si coach Danny (Ildefonso)," said Matt Nieto of that Tuesday workout with the Aces.
Mike added: "Kami ni Matt, naghahanap lang kami ng workout. Nagulat kami na kasama namin yung Marcelino twins."
It was quite an experience, really - one both twins greatly enjoyed.
"Masaya kasi nakasama namin sila. Sikat sila eh, pero mababait na twins. Nagka-kwentuhan at nag-bonding," said Jayvee.
Jaycee added: "Grabe sila. Talagang pag nag-practice sila, go hard din. Nakaka-inspire na makasama sila at nakaka-challenge."
The Nietos are assured of making the leap to the PBA after being included in the special Gilas draft, but they hope that the Marcelinos won't be that far behind, wishing their new friends good luck as they all enter this new chapter to their basketball careers.
"It's an honor to work out with them and it's really nice to work with a pair of twins kasi di naman everyday makakasama mo sa workout, kambal din. Opposite na opposite kami kasi kami fraternal, sila identical. Naglolokohan kami kung ano ang mas ok, pero masaya silang kasama," said Mike.
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