KIM Aurin proved what a difference a conference can make.
The rookie guard and former 3x3 standout was rewarded with a well-deserved new contract by TNT after an impressive showing for the franchise during the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
READ Free agent Barkley Ebona signed to one-year deal by TNT
Aurin was given a two-year deal by the Tropang Giga on Monday, superceding the initial six-month contract he signed as a rookie free agent who was a late addition to the team's Season 48 lineup.
His new contract was reconstructed beginning January of this year and will run until December of 2025.
The former University of Perpetual Help standout was accompanied by his agent Danny Espiritu during the contract signing done in the presence of TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa.
Aurin is the second player signed by TNT prior to the opening of the Philippine Cup along with young power forward Barkley Ebona.
Not expecting much from a still untested rookie, Aurin proved his worth when he stepped up in the absence of the injured Roger Pogoy and the health struggles of veteran leader Jayson Castro.
In 10 games he played, he averaged 6.5 points and 1.1 rebounds, while hitting a team-leading 58 percent shooting from beyond the arc (14-of-24).
He had a conference-high 18 points in a 116-96 win over Phoenix.
“I hope he continues to work hard,” said Lastimosa following Aurin’s best game of the season. “Now we’re looking at a guy who’s probably going to play a little bit more. He deserves what he is getting right now.”
Aurin was originally picked in the third round (No. 34) by Barangay Ginebra – the team he played for in the PBA 3x3 – but failed to land a contract with the Kings.
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