Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Kelly Nabong wants more after getting first taste of gold


For the historic fifth straight time, San Miguel are the king of the Philippine Cup.

The Beermen’s championship only added to the growing ring collection of their championship core of June Mar Fajardo, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot, Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross.

For others – including Terrence Romeo, Paul Zamar, and Christian Standhardinger – it was their first ever in Asia’s oldest professional league.

But apparently, they weren’t the only ones. Former journeyman Kelly Nabong, for his own part, also rose as a fitting title holder, at last.

“It’s my first championship ever in my life,” said Nabong.

“It’s my first one. My first one ever. It’s really sweet. I love it.”

Nabong entered the PBA back in 2012 as the 17th overall pick. He had the sole mission of winning a championship ring after not tasting it since he played in Sacramento, California.

The 6-foot-6 banger, however, discovered the dream was a giant mountain to climb as a PBA title proved elusive for him, with stops in Meralco, Globalport, Meralco, and back to Globalport in his first six years.

Nabong’s journey was a roller-coaster ride marred by failures and heartaches. He suffered plenty of heartache before his fortunes changed last year with a life-changing trade to a champion team like San Miguel.

The Beermen traded for Nabong, letting go of veteran Gabby Espinas and their 2020 second round pick to Northport.

Two conferences since, Nabong is finally a PBA champion – something he still cannot believe is true following a long journey.

“My chest hurts. I still can’t believe it,” said Nabong after a loud and long shout to cry his championship emotion. “Man, it’s a hell of a feeling. I can’t wait to feel it again.”

On the court, Nabong only saw limited action in the Finals, but there’s no denying of his contributions off it. He was also influential inside the locker room, as he helped keep the Beermen poised and bound at the height of a thrilling seven-game duel against Magnolia.

#ReadMore  Aroga downplays highly-touted match-up versus Mbala

That role was crucial for SMB and telling for Nabong, who now can’t wait to embrace another ring in the future.

“There’s only one under my belt. The company has more than one. I just want to be a part of it and add to the collection.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Meralco and San Miguel experienced contrasting starts to their 2024-25 East Asia Super League (EASL) campaigns at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on...

Basketball

Kris Rosales was left surprised by the referees’ decision to downgrade the call on Alec Stockton as the two got heated during Game 3...

Basketball

Alec Stockton was supposed to be out of the game after being initially ejected for a flagrant foul penalty two late in the first...

Basketball

San Miguel was tougher in the endgame this time as it took down Converge again, 107-100, to take a 2-0 lead in their PBA...

Basketball

EJ Anosike drew praise from no less than June Mar Fajardo after a solid debut that enabled San Miguel to take Game 1 of...

Basketball

San Miguel survived a sloppy endgame and escaped Converge by way of a 102-95 decision to gain the head start in their PBA Season...

Basketball

Joe Devance isn’t just in Manila for some vacation. The decorated big man is ready to lace up his sneakers again after a long...

Basketball

For the first time ever, an entire coaching staff will be recognized with the highest honor at the PBA Press Corps Awards Night. The...

Advertisement