Push Admin

Sans big league experience, former PUP cager chases PBA dream

Article (news)

Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/news/10/24/boy.jpg"/><figcaption>Former PUP cager Christian Geronimo is one of the lesser-known players in the Draft Combine. Camille B. Naredo, ABS-CBN News</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines – While most of the attention was on the absence of Christian Standhardinger and the impressive performances of Kiefer Ravena and Jeron Teng, one rookie hopeful silently went about his day in the hopes of catching the coaches&#x27; eyes.Christian Geronimo, 29, was unfamiliar to most of the scouts and team personnel who attended the PBA Draft Combine on Monday at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and with good reason.The 5-foot-11 guard used to play for the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), but unlike most of the rookie hopefuls, he never saw action in the PBA D-League. He had stints in NAASCU and SCUAA, but for the most part, Geronimo was a question mark.&quot;Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm,&quot; he admits of his Draft Combine experience, noting that he was somewhat starstruck by many of the players who went through the drills and scrimmages with him. &quot;Pinapanood ko lang sila dati sa TV,&quot; he explains.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="http://sports.abs-cbn.com/basketball/news/2017/10/23/kiefer-dominates-opening-day-2017-draft-combine-32639">READ: Kiefer dominates opening day of 2017 Draft Combine</a></li></ul>He found himself teaming up with Ravena, the potential No. 2 pick in the draft, during the scrimmages. He failed to score in their two games on Monday, but was still proud of the effort he showed.&quot;Medyo nangangapa pa ako,&quot; he said. &quot;Talagang kinakabahan ako kanina, pero at least, nakasabay ako sa kanila.&quot;Geronimo knows that getting picked in the draft is a long shot. Every year, the rookie draft draws in dozens of hopefuls, very few of whom are selected. Fewer still become stars in the league.Yet Geronimo has sacrificed too much to think about quitting. A former car salesman, he quit his job last year to focus on preparing for the draft.&quot;Talagang nagpa-kundisyon ako para dito sa draft,&quot; he revealed&quot;Sabi ng coach ko sa PUP, &#x27;29 ka na, try mo magpa-draft.&#x27; Sabi ko, &#x27;Kinakabahan ako coach, pero sige, go lang&#x27;,&quot; he added.That he was able to make it through Day 1 of the Draft Combine, even though he did not make much of an impact, is a source of motivation for Geronimo to keep pursuing his dream.&quot;Iniisip ko na lang, kailangan ko itong gawin,&quot; he said. &quot;Dream ko talaga makapaglaro sa PBA.&quot;&quot;Gusto kong i-prove talaga na kaya kong maglaro sa PBA,&quot; he added. &quot;Hinahabol ko lang ang pangarap ko, at makapagbigay ng inspirasyon sa mga nangangarap maglaro sa PBA.&quot;

Christian Geronimo, 29, was unfamiliar to most of the scouts and team personnel who attended the PBA Draft Combine on Monday at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and with good reason.

Christian Geronimo, 29, was unfamiliar to most of the scouts and team personnel who attended the PBA Draft Combine on Monday at the Gatorade Hoops Center, and with good reason.

Sans big league experience, former PUP cager chases PBA dream

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Sports

Sans big league experience, former PUP cager chases PBA dream

Camille B. Naredo,

ABS-CBN News

Published October 24, 2017 11:46 AM PHT

Read More:

PBA

PBA Draft

Draft Combine

Christian Geronimo

PUP

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.