Celda thrilled to experience first win as pro
Mahindra rookie Reden Celda was all smiles after the Floodbuster pulled off a 97-93 overtime victory over Blackwater on Christmas Day at the Philippine Arena.
The team’s first win in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup also marks the first triumph of Celda as a pro.
“Sobrang saya. Nagpasalamat nga ‘ko sa mga beterano namin kasi first win ko ‘to as a rookie and as a PBA player,” Celda said.
‘Maganda ‘yung kinalabasan ng team ngayon. Mas nagpapasahan kami. Mas nagtitiwala kami sa isa’t-isa. Kaya nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” he was quick to add.
The 20th overall pick in this year’s draft, however, fired blank in just a minute and a half of playing time following his mid-stellar performances in the Floodbuster’s five-game losing skid.
The 24-year old Celda also played down his first time of playing in the colossal arena and in front of a mammoth crowd, admitting that he was surprised to have his number called in the last two minutes of the first half.
Although he was benched most of the game, Celda’s trust in coach Chris Gavina’s system remains unwavering.
“May tiwala ako kay coach Chris kung ano man ang plano n’ya sa game. ‘Di ko na kontrolado ‘yun. Ang akin lang i-improve ko lang sarili ko araw-araw para pagdating ng time na gamitin n’ya ‘ko, ready ako mag-contribute.” Jeremiah Sevilla
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