PHILIP Paniamogan considers playing for Yeng Guiao as the biggest break of his career.
The 27-year-old former Jose Rizal University standout was drafted by GlobalPort in 2015 and played for Columbian Dyip thereafter before taking his act to Makati in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL).
He was signed up by undermanned NLEX before the start of the PBA Governors Cup and he couldn't be any happier playing for the veteran Guiao, who has turned around the careers of many unheralded players.
It was a dream come true for the long-haired journeyman.
“Na-shock nga ako kasi siyempre hindi ko akalain na kukunin ako ni coach Yeng,” said Paniamogan. “Pangarap ko nga siyang coach eh. Sobrang blessed na nabigyan ako ng chance at mabigyan ng kontrata.”
Paniamogan played for five games with Makati in the MPBL, averaging 18.4 points game to earn the NLEX call-up.
On Wednesday, Paniamogan made an immediate impact as he scored nine points and added two assists in NLEX’s 124-106 win over Blackwater. Entering the match, Paniamogan was averaging just 5.4 points a game.
“Panibagong challenge na naman sa buhay at sa career. Sana magtuluy-tuloy na ‘yung mabigyan ako ng chance ni coach Yeng. ‘Yun lagi ang hanap ng isang player,” said Paniamogan.
He vowed to make the most of the opportunity.
“Masaya kasi nakabalik sa PBA. Nagpapasalamat ako sa tiwala. Dapat lang pag-igihan every game,” he said.
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