By MARK REY MONTEJO
From the rough playing courts on the streets to the professional stage, who would have thought that the once online sensation in San Miguel rookie Kyt Jimenez would go on to become a PBA champion.
Not even him thought of that.
But that’s exactly what transpired before his eyes as he along with the rest of the Beermen hoisted the 2023-’24 PBA Commissioner’s Cup right at the center court of the Araneta Coliseum.
The 26-year-old couldn’t help but look back on his journey from being a staple to ‘dayo’ series and local tournaments to finally celebrating his first PBA title in his rookie conference.
“Sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi alam naman ng karamihan naglalaro lang ako ng ligang labas, dumadayo, sobrang thankful ako kay Lord kasi dinala nya ko rito,” Jimenez said moments after SMB’s 104-102 win over Magnolia in Game 6.
Jimenez was selected 76th overall in the 2023 PBA rookie draft but impressed the Beermen enough to get rewarded with a spot in the team.
The 5-foot-11 former YouTube sensation was seldom used, especially playing in a loaded backcourt behind CJ Perez, Terrence Romeo, Simon Enciso and Chris Ross but he made sure to put in the work in practice.
“Tyinatyaga ko talaga through practice nakita naman ako nila coach, alam naman nila ‘yon,” said Jimenez who added that he has no issues with the limited minutes knowing full well that he still has to earn it.
“Alam kong darating ‘yong time na magagawa ko rin ‘yong nagagawa nila. Sakin sobrang sarap sa feeling kasi kasama ko sila, ta’s marami pa akong natutunan na knowledge,” he added.
“Saken okay naman eh, siguro next conference makapaglaro nako,” he added.
