The crowd at the Robinsons Place Manila went abuzz when Maverick Ahanmisi’s name was selected above all the top prospects during the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft.
It was an absolute shocker when the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters nabbed him at third overall, and even the backcourt player couldn’t believe what just happened.
“I did not expect to be picked this high. What I have been told is around seven, eight, or nine so it was a shock for me but I am glad to be with Rain or Shine. My agent is not around but I am sure he is pretty shocked too,” Ahanmisi, who helped Cafe France win a PBA D-League title, said.
Ahanmisi shared that he and his agent agreed not to work out with teams prior to the draft to keep him fresh and not make him worry.
“I did not practice with anyone. I got back to the Philippines two days before the draft combine and my agent and I just decided not to do any workouts with the teams,” he said.
But now being selected to be part of the Elasto Painters, Ahanmisi looks to learn from a star guard in Paul Lee and a championship-caliber head coach in Yeng Guiao.
Rain or Shine made a surprise in selecting Maverick Ahanmisi
“I watch Paul Lee all the time and I like his style of play. That’s why I like being in this time, I can learn from him and coach Guiao,” he said.
Asked about what he can bring to the team, the former Minnesota Golden Gophers member in the US NCAA said: “My ability to shoot and my defensive intensity as well. And being coachable because Rain or Shine is a very good team.”
Right now, Ahanmisi is only trying to prove his worth after an unexpected turn of events.
He feels thankful for the trust given to him by the squad, and he is looking forward to make a name in the pro league.
“I love him for that. I am glad I can go to him, a coach that can trust me already and I am blessed to have him as my coach,” he said.
