Sonny Estil impressed with his aerial acrobatics and high basketball IQ during the two-day PBA Draft Combine last Sept. 4 and 5.
In a pool littered with established hoop names, Sonny Estil stole the spotlight.
Relatively unknown to PBA fans, Estil emerged as the Most Valuable Player as he played for Ginebra in the Draft Combine Friday, Sept. 6.
The high-flyer from Agusan del Sur is hopeful this feat will increase his stock as the draft for the league's 50th season gets going Sunday, Sept. 7.
“Sana po, sana may kumuha. Thankful naman tayo doon kasi 'yon naman talaga ang pangarap ko, mag-PBA,” said Estil, whose team beat the San Miguel squad featuring former UAAP stars LJay Gonzales and CJ Austria in the Finals of the mini tournament.
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Sonny Estil in action during the PBA Season 50 Draft Combine | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
To the uninitiated, Estil played for La Salle Greenhills before going to Letran for college.
However, Estil was only able to suit up for the Knights in the preseason tournament, Filoil, as he decided to make the jump to the pros.
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There, he met Converge deputy Delta Pineda, who coached the Pampanga Lanterns in the MPBL.
Upon the prodding of Pineda, known for producing high-caliber players from Pampanga, Estil decided to apply for this year’s draft.
“Siya (Pineda) ang talagang sumuporta sa'king magpa-draft,” said a grateful Estil.
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Does that mean the FiberXers are tabbing him in the draft? Estil is keeping his fingers crossed.
“Sinabi naman niya (Pineda). Tingnan na lang natin kung anong kalalabasan,” Estil said with a smile.
But for someone whose name has yet to hit the mainstream, Estil will be the happiest to take the stage at the Mall of Asia Music Hall regardless of which team selects him.
“Nakapakasuwerte. Thankful ako kay Lord, sa mga teammates ko at saka sa opportunity na 'to na ibinigay sa'kin ni boss Dennis Delta Pineda” Estil said.