TNT’s Kim Aurin could end up as the thorn for Barangay Ginebra if he plays well enough in Game Six of the PBA 49th Governors’ Cup finals on Friday or even beyond, if it ever reaches that far.
In an ironic twist, Aurin has a chance to take home a championship at the expense of the team that actually opened opportunities for him in the PBA.
Aurin once played for Barangay Ginebra during the now-shelved PBA 3x3 before being later signed by TNT in the five-a-side.
A chance to sign Aurin became a possibility as he was picked by Barangay Ginebra in the Season 48 draft in the third round at No. 34, but he was left unsigned, and became a free agent, giving him the right to sign with any team.
READ: Cu, Aurin savor journey from 3x3 to On Tour to PBA Finals
TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa recalled how he was able to see a potential in the former Perpetual Help standout in the PBA 3x3, even amid the apprehensions by some about signing him.
“I saw Aurin in our games against him one time in the grand finals of 3x3 and I saw something in him that he might be a PBA player so I picked up,” said Lastimosa, who signed Aurin to a contract when he held the temporary position as head coach when Chot Reyes was still with Gilas Pilipinas.
“I was still coaching then after we won and made him practice. His knees weren’t even well at that time but told him to use our trainers to get stronger. I eventually signed him to a six-month trial to play one conference and EASL,” said Lastimosa.
When Reyes returned to the helm as TNT coach, Lastimosa said Aurin still needed to show that he deserves his spot in the team for, at least, the short term, which eventually did.
“It was up to Kim to prove to Chot that he can really play. He played well enough under me that we decided to sign him,” said Lastimosa.
READ: It's Ginebra's turn to adjust in must-win Game 6, says Scottie
Aurin has been part of TNT’s rotation in the finals series. Although his scoring hasn’t been a factor with the exception of Game 1 where he had eight points, Aurin has been making sure to contribute in different ways, including stretching the floor and an added defender off the bench on top of his averages of 1.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists during the finals.
“Just how everything transpired for Kim, it’s somewhat inspirational. I was even warned by someone who handled him to be wary of picking him up. Knowing me, I always give the players the benefit of the doubt,” said Lastimosa.
It would be a storybook ending for Aurin if he is able to nab a PBA title with TNT in the Governors’ Cup.
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