After an uneventful stint with San Miguel in the PBA, Kyt Jimenez is eager to reignite his career as he joins the Zamboanga Valientes for the 34th Dubai International Basketball Championship.
Jimenez, selected as the 76th overall pick in the 2023 PBA Draft, was excluded from the Beermen’s roster for the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup last November.
Now, he hopes to make a fresh start with the Valientes in the prestigious Dubai tournament.
The former YouTube sensation experienced limited playing time during his tenure with San Miguel, hindered by a string of unfortunate events.
These included an elbow to the face during his debut and a freak accident involving an ice bath that sidelined him for several games.
Joining Zamboanga offers Jimenez a chance to recapture the form that made him a fan favorite during his time with Mavs Phenomenal.
His viral performances there led to a stint with the Sarangani Marlins in the MPBL and eventually earned him a shot in the PBA.
“Siguro kung paano ako nakilala ng tao before ako maglaro sa PBA, ‘yun ‘yung gusto kong mabalik. Kung paano ako nakilala talaga and siguro hihigitan ko pa ‘yun,” Jimenez shared during Zamboanga’s open practice at Activate Hoops Arena last Tuesday.
Although still under contract with the Beermen until later this year, the 27-year-old guard chose to take a risk, suiting up for the Valientes in an effort to revive his basketball journey.
“For me, nag-take lang ako ng risk. Kasi syempre, hindi naman tayo pabata. Lumilipas ‘yung sikat natin, ‘yung galing natin,” said the former Perpetual Help standout.
“Nag-take ako ng risk na why not subukan ko ulit. Kasi syempre, ang tagal ko na ring hindi nakapaglaro so kinausap ako ni boss Junnie (Navarro) kaya ayun, ginrab ko na ‘yung opportunity,” he added.
Jimenez will have to compete for minutes in a deep Valientes backcourt, which features key players like Mike Tolomia, Rudy Lingganay, Rashawn McCarthy, and UST standouts Forthsky Padrigao and Nic Cabañero.
The Zamboanga Valientes are scheduled to depart for Dubai on Friday and will kick off their Pool B campaign against Sagesse SC of Lebanon on Tuesday.
