Kim Aurin seamlessly integrated into Ginebra’s PBA on Tour squad, giving credit to Barangay assistant coach Kirk Collier, who previously coached Ginebra 3×3, in which Aurin was a participant last season.
“Sobrang laking bagay kasi yung sistema ni Coach Kirk parang sistema lang din sa 5-on-5 so naging pamilyar na ako sa sistema nila kaunting hilot na lang makukuha ko na,” said the Perpetual Help product.
“Big thanks kay Coach Kirk dahil sa kanya kaunti na lang kailangan matutunan sa sistema ng 5-on-5.”
The 6-foot-2 guard made an impact right from the first game of Ginebra in the “On Tour” event, scoring an impressive 18 points on an efficient 8-of-12 shooting from the field. He also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and two steals against San Miguel.
Aurin continued his strong performance with a 12-point outing against archrival Magnolia. Furthermore, he displayed his indomitable Never Say Die spirit by leading Ginebra’s fourth-quarter comeback attempt with 10 points, although they ultimately fell short.
In their third game, Aurin played limited minutes but still managed to contribute six points, including four crucial points during Ginebra’s third-quarter surge against Phoenix Super LPG, leading them to a breakthrough 95-89 victory.
Already becoming a crowd favorite, Aurin aims to sustain his excellent play as he sets his sights on the upcoming PBA Draft, hoping to hear his name called.
“Masaya masaya para sa Ginebra. Pangarap ko talagang makapunta dito sa Ginebra tapos ngayon nandito na ako diba? Gagalingan ko na lang para sa pamilya ko, sa Ginebra family, teammates, and coaches,” said Aurin.
Assistant coach Richard Del Rosario, who has been leading the sidelines for Ginebra, is delighted to provide unheralded players with opportunities to showcase their skills. Alongside Aurin, other players who have been performing well for Ginebra include Raymond Aguilar, Jayson David, and Donald Gumaru, among many others.
(C) PBA Images
“Yun talaga ang goal namin to improve every game and hopefully, give them a better situation moving forward after this PBA On Tour, not only for our regular 5-on-5 players but also our 3×3 players we want it to be a positive experience,” said Del Rosario.
Del Rosario also motivated the “On Tour” players by recounting how Ginebra gained its immense popularity. They were not a super team; they were underdogs who fought their way to supremacy.
“I told them yung Ginebra nung sumikat talaga, they didn’t have the star players, nung panahon pa ni Jawo, they were the underdogs so ang gusto lang namin ipakita, kahit nga hindi masyado kilala yung mga names niyo, at least every game ipapakita natin yung NSD spirit kasi yun yung dala namin every game eh,” shared Del Rosario.
“We want to live up to that, tribute doon sa mga nauna sa amin so I just want them to work hard, fight. Yun lang sabi ko nga this is an opportunity for you also na makilala kayo not just because you won or lost games but it’s about how you played the game and how you fought.”
