Samboy De Leon is simply grateful for the chance to show what he’s capable of, all thanks to TNT.
The KaTropa signed the Centro Escolar University product prior to their campaign in the East Asia Super League’s The Terrific in Macau last week, where they finished with a 1-1 record.
De Leon was one of the two players whom TNT signed from the MPBL, the other being Almond Vosotros.
“Thankful lang ako sa coaches at management sa chance,” said the 27-year-old wingman, who had previously served as a practice player for the flagship MVP franchise.
De Leon was drafted by Star Hotshots in 2015. He made his debut with the KaTropa in a PBA setting last Wednesday in their 2019 Governors’ Cup opener against the Blackwater Elite.
There, the former NAASCU MVP logged over 24 minutes and finished with five points, five rebounds, four assists, a steal, and a block as he helped TNT to a dominant 135-107 victory.
But the game became even more special for the Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija native since he was part of the starting five with Jayson Castro, Roger Pogoy, KJ McDaniels, and David Semerad.
De Leon was among the first five again in TNT’s clash with Rain or Shine Saturday. He saw action for over 21 minutes and producing eight points, four boards, and two dimes in the 103-91 win.
For De Leon, being part of the starters was like the culmination of a dream he has had since he started playing.
“Mula nung nag-start ako mag-basketball, ito yung gustong mapuntahan ng players, so masaya,” said De Leon, who played in FEU’s Team B from 2010-2012 before transferring to CEU in 2012.
But besides starting in his first two games, all of this is a dream come true indeed. But De Leon said he’s just lucky.
“Sinuwerte lang ako kaya medyo nabibigyan ng chance.”
