In a surprise move, Ginebra plucked relatively unknown Sonny Estil with the 11th overall pick in the PBA Season 50 Draft.
Sonny Estil couldn’t believe it when he heard his number called as early as the first round of the PBA Season 50 Draft on Sunday, Sept. 7.
Ginebra tabbed Estil with the 11th overall pick at the Mall of Asia Music Hall, ahead of some more prominent names in the record 122-man pool.
“Nagulat ako na Ginebra. Tinawag ako eh. Syempre ako kinakabahan ako kanina pa, hanggang ngayon kinakabahan pa rin ako,” he said afterwards.
“Pero thankful ako kay God. Kung ano 'yung binigay Niya sa akin, tatanggapin ko 'yon. Pinagtatrabahuhan ko, Estil added.
[Related: Who is Sonny Estil, MVP of PBA Season 50 Draft Combine mini tourney?]
But it wasn’t exactly a surprise for people who witnessed his repertoire in the two-day Draft Combine. After all, the lanky cager from Agusan del Sur took home the MVP award after leading Ginebra to the championship of the event’s mini tournament.
Estil could only assume that’s where he got the attention of coach Olsen Racela, who called the shots for the Team Ginebra.
“Siguro po kasi si coach Olsen talaga 'yung gusto niya yung ma-hustle na player eh, na go hard palagi,” he said.
That intensity is the same thing he plans to bring as he joins the Gin Kings yearning for a first championship since 2023.
“Ibibigay ko lang 'yung hustle lagi, 'yung depensa. Yun ang no. 1 na gagawin ko,” he said.
“Yung opensa, pag given na lang 'yun 'pag na-shoot natin. Pero depensa talaga, doon ako kukuha ng pawis talaga para makamit 'yung panalo.”