Besides getting a chance to live his dreams, Michael Calisaan had another reason to celebrate.
Calisaan, a native of Pampanga, has a chance to play with his first-degree cousin Ian Sangalang after the Magnolia Hotshots selected him as the 10th overall pick in the 2018 PBA Draft.
And having the 6-foot-4 forward available that late was a surprise for Chito Victolero.
“‘Di namin ineexpect na nandoon pa siya. Masaya kami,” expressed the youthful tactician.
“Napakasaya ko kasi ito talaga yung favorite na team ko eh,” admitted the 23-year-old product of San Sebastian. “‘Pag nanonood ako ng PBA, ito ag binabantayan ko. Sana mag-fit ako sa system nila at sana maging successful.
“‘Di ko sila mabigo sa pagpili nila sa akin.”
Victolero made it clear that they did not pick Calisaan because of his ties with Sangalang. They wanted Calisaan because of his versatility and his length.
“Yung bata talaga, very talented. Kinuha namin siya dahil sa skills niya,” added Victolero.
“Nagkataon lang na pinsan siya ni Ian.”
But having his cousin around every day will only lead to good things for the utility forward, as he looks to adjust to the bright lights of the big league.
“Malaking bagay yun kasi nandoon ang mga kuya niya,” said Victolero.
“At least nandoon ako sa Magnolia, ma-guide niya ako sa dapat kong gawin at mga kulang ko,” gushed Calisaan.
“Mababantayan niya ako dahil kasama ko siya doon.”
