BACK FOR A SECOND CHANCE
It’s been quite a long road back to the PBA for Reil Cervantes.
Reinvigorated by his PBA D-League stint after riding the end of the Ginebra and Barako Bull benches since the Kings drafted him in 2011 as the ninth overall pick, the 6-foot-5 forward is now tasked to lead a very raw KIA Sorento squad in its inaugural season in the PBA.
On opening day, he will be playing against Blackwater, the team that gave him a chance to regain his confidence in the developmental league.
However, Cervantes sees this as an opportunity he can benefit from.
“Trabaho ‘to eh. Ako naman, naglalaro ako kahit anong team,” he said. “Binibigay ko lang lagi yung best ko.”
And in their first sanctioned exhibition game, Cervantes was the only bright spot for KIA, scoring 23 points and doing it all in the Sorento loss.
The loss might have stung, but it was just a signal that Cervantes has finally made it back.
“Nagpapasalamat lang ako kasi nabigyan ako ng second chance sa pangarap ko. Mas ready na ako this time,” the 28-year-old said.
“Inimprove ko yung shooting ko at defense. Tingin ko, mas kaya ko ibigay yung best ko this time around.” (RL)
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