SONNY Estil had a solid showing in his first PBA game, playing for Barangay Ginebra in the Manila Clasico against Magnolia last Sunday.
Estil had nine points and seven rebounds in 17 minutes and 41 seconds of play in the Gin Kings’ 80-73 loss to the Hotshots to open the 50th Season Philippine Cup.
“Nandoon ‘yung pressure kasi first game ko. Nilabanan ko na lang ‘yung pressure ko. Pinasok ako, feeling ko parang naglalaro ako nung bata ako,” he said afterwards.
“Sanay naman ako maglaro nang maraming tao. Pero siyempre, PBA na kasi nilalaruan mo.”
Of course, the No. 11 pick in the Season 50 Draft would rather have the victory in his league debut.
“Maganda, kaso talo. Wala pa rin. Useless pa rin,” said Estil. “Ok ako doon sa maganda ang ginawa, kaso nga lang, talo. Mas ok kasi ‘yung team kami na maganda ang nilalaro kaysa ako.”
Bounce back time for Ginebra
Estil admitted Ginebra coach Tim Cone was not happy with the way the Gin Kings played, and he showed it at the dugout after the loss.
“Parang dalawa lang ang maglalaruan. Pangit. Mas maganda lahat, kaya siguro nagalit si coach sa amin. Babawi na lang kami next game,” said the 6-foot-3 Estil, who was picked in the first round following an excellent showing in the PBA Draft Combine.
The Ginebra rookie was also disappointed that his foul on Rome Dela Rosa led to a three-point play that gave Magnolia a 78-67 lead with two minutes remaining - practically icing the game.
“Nag-switch kasi, alanganin. Wala, babawi na lang ako,” said Estil.
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